§ 21. Mr. Edeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the negotiations with local authorities and trade unions on the promotion of legislation that is a necessary preliminary to the ratification of the International Labour Organisation's Convention No. 96.
§ Mr. SimonMy right hon. Friend has agreed to receive a deputation of representatives of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress who wish to discuss certain aspects of the proposed legislation with him.
§ Mr. EdeCan the hon. and learned Gentleman give us any idea how long after that he will be able to make a statement? Two of his predecessors who took part in what he called the "preleminary rounds" of this discussion have already been withdrawn disqualified from the ring.
§ Mr. SimonI do not think I can say how soon a statement can be made. It depends how far further discussions may then be necessary.