HC Deb 06 December 1956 vol 561 c1443
42. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will recommend the creation of a special European section of the International Labour Organisation for the purpose of dealing with the labour problems associated directly with the European common market.

Mr. Iain Macleod

It is as yet premature to decide how far the International Labour Organisation will be required to assist the countries concerned in dealing with labour problems associated with the European Common Market, or by what means such assistance would best be given.

Mr. Hynd

The Minister will be aware that the International Labour Organisation generally deals on an international basis with labour standards but has special branches set up some time ago to deal with particular Asian problems? In view of the particular problems to be solved in regard to the common market area, will the right hon. Gentleman give oensideration to the possibility of a special section to deal with those problems?

Mr. Macleod

I think it likely that a retlationship will develop between the I.L.O. and appropriate organisations of those countries associated with the common market, but I do not think it would be appropriate in that development for me to try to take the lead.