HC Deb 05 June 1961 vol 641 c647
49. Miss Vickers

asked the Lord Privy Seal in view of the resolution passed by the Status of Women Commission at its meeting in Geneva in March, 1961, that the membership of the commission should be increased, if he will advise the United Kingdom delegate to the Economic and Social Council to support the resolution by voting for the increase.

Mr. Godber

It is not the practice to reveal in advance the instructions sent to the United Kingdom Mission in New York. However, as my hon. Friend knows, Her Majesty's Government voted in favour of the resolution in the Status of Women Commission, and I have no reason to believe that there will be a change in our attitude when this matter is voted on in the Economic and Social Council.

Miss Vickers

I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. When he is thinking this matter over, will he remember to inform the delegates that at present the Status of Women Commission is orientated towards the West and it is rather essential that there should be representatives of other countries, particularly Africa, on the Commission in future?

Mr. Godber

Yes. We will, of course, take note of that. Her Majesty's Government take great interest in the status of women in all matters.