HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc32-3
64. Mr. Marquand

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that foreign firms with subsidiaries in Great Britain are prevented from exercising any form of racial discrimination in employment.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

No, Sir. It is not right or necessary to single out foreign firms for special treatment of this kind. However, the rules governing the work of the employment exchanges apply to foreign firms just as they do to local firms.

Mr. Marquand

Is my hon. Friend aware that a good deal of evidence suggests that foreign firms in this country are amongst the worst offenders in racial discrimination? Will she ensure that it is brought forcibly to their attention that the policy of the Government is against racial discrimination in employment in all forms?

Mrs. Williams

This is not primarily a question for the Ministry of Labour, but I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend says.