HC Deb 12 December 1963 vol 686 cc551-3
23. Mr. Abse

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether, in view of the termination of employment of British citizens of the Jewish faith upon the demand of Arab States, he will seek to amend the Insurance Act, 1958, to provide that no insurance company may conduct insurance business in this country if it practises religious or racial discrimination against its employees.

Mr. du Cann

No, Sir.

Mr. Abse

In view of the statements that have recently been issued both by the Arab Boycott Committee and by the representatives of the Arab countries, is it not at any rate desirable—since there is a clear intention to continue to interfere in the organisation of British firms, including the contracts of service of those firms—that a clear and unequivocal statement should be made by the Minister advising those firms that under no circumstances should they reply to any questionnaires or other similar probes which may be sent to them by the Arab Boycott Committee or any other Arab organisation?

Mr. du Cann

I am ready to make Her Majesty's Government's position entirely clear, as it was made clear by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs just two days ago, when he said: Her Majesty's Government strongly disapprove of pressure from any source on British firms to discriminate between British subjects on any grounds."—[Official Report, 10th December, 1963; Vol. 686, c. 224.] Following from that, if firms which appear to be affected or concerned about the boycott are ready to consult us we shall certainly be ready to give them any help and support that we can.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the hon. Member say why he thinks that legislation would not help? Is it not fairly obvious that boards which are as pusillanimous as that of the Norwich Union would be very much strengthened in their reaction to foreign interference if they were able to say that they would be acting illegally if they acted in such a manner as this? Therefore, is there not a case for reconsidering proposals for legislation to deal with racial or religious discrimination in this country, so making it possible for such resistance to be effective?

Mr. du Cann

The point is that legislation is an extremely difficult and complicated matter. I am sure that the House in general is satisfied that the majority of companies behave with great sense in this matter. So far as there are any exceptions—and I have no particular case in mind—I am glad to see the way in which public opinion, both in this House and outside, has built up so strongly.

Mr. Callaghan

I recognise that legislation in this matter is difficult, but we are asking that the matter should be considered and not just turned down with a monosyllabic "No, Sir". Is there not something here worth looking at in order to see whether the position could not be remedied by legislation despite the difficulties?

Mr. du Cann

We are always ready to consider suggestions, especially when they are put so reasonably by the hon. Member. We are not clear that such legislation would be enforceable. There are tremendous difficulties about it. But, in view of what the hon. Member has said, we shall be willing to consider the matter again, alhough I can give no guarantee that such legislation is practicable.