HC Deb 13 December 1956 vol 562 cc598-9
3. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Minister of Labour how Her Majesty's Government representative on the Governing Body of the International Labour Office voted on the recommendations of the Committee on Freedom of Association regarding civil liberties and rights of association in Hungary, the violation of trade union freedom and the right to strike under the former Polish régime, and the repression of free trades unions and the imprisonment of their leaders in Venezuela.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The United Kingdom Government representative voted in support of the recommendations of the Committee on Freedom of Association in the case concerning Hungary and Poland. The Committee made no recommendation in the case concerning Venezuela. The United Kingdom Government representative voted in support of a proposal that, before other action was considered, the Director-General of the International Labour Office should make direct contact with the Venezuelan Government with a view to clarifying, and, if possible, finding a solution to, the present situation regarding freedom of association in Venezuela. On this proposal being defeated, he abstained from voting on a proposal that steps be taken now with a view to referring the case to the International Labour Organisation's Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission.

Mr. Zilliacus

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply and expressing appreciation of the stand that we have taken in favour of trade union rights and liberties in countries where we have no political responsibility, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that these very interferences with trade union rights have been carried on under emergency legislation in Cyprus, Singapore and Northern Rhodesia? Will the Minister consider applying the same standard of trade union rights and liberties to these countries?

Mr. Macleod

As the hon. Member knows, that goes a long way beyond the Question on the Order Paper.

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