HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 c832
10. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the representations made to him by women's organisations concerning the method of appointment of the United Kingdom delegate to the Status of Women Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a suggestion, recently made by the Standing Conference on the Economic and Social Work of the United Nations, that women's non-governmental organisations should be consulted about the appointment of our delegate to the Status of Women Commission. In view of the large number of these organisations, it would be impracticable to consult them, but we shall certainly bear in mind any suggestions they may make.

Mrs. Butler

In view of the fact that in other countries, notably Australia and New Zealand, the Government have no difficulty in consulting non-governmental women's organisations on the appointment of a delegate to this important Commission, could not the Minister find it possible to do that here? There are not so very many non-governmental women's organisations which take a direct interest in the work of the United Nations and of this Commission.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I can assure the hon. Lady that there is a considerable number of such organisations. If they will write to us, we will certainly take into account the representations they may make, but I cannot undertake to chase every organisation of this sort.

Mr. Nabarro

Women's place is in the home anyway.