HC Deb 22 April 1959 vol 604 cc363-4
5. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour what decisions have been reached for the representation of employing organisations of Communist countries in the committees of the International Labour Office.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to representation on Committees of the International Labour Conference. It is for the Conference to decide this question. Proposals by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office adopted at its session last March will be before the Conference when it meets in June.

Mr. Brockway

Is it the case that the representative of the Government has made certain proposals and that these have been supported by the workers' representatives but opposed by the British employers' representatives? In view of the importance of the representation of publicly-owned bodies, will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to secure the acceptance of these proposals?

Mr. Macleod

I think it would be a sad day if the Government started be ameliorated and, as I hope, the tariffs eventually abolished?

Mr. Macleod

I will take note of that and discuss it with my right hon. Friend.

Following is the table:

dictating to employers' or workers' representatives how they should vote at Geneva. That is what all the argument is about. It is just because all the blocs in certain countries vote together that this situation has arisen. Happily, that does not apply in this country.

Sir G. Lloyd

Is it not the fact that the whole principle of tri-partisanism is at stake in this issue? Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement that the employers have a right to be consulted and to express opinions on this issue will be warmly welcomed?