§ 30. Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the general policy of Her Majesty's Government on the implementation of conventions by the International Labour Office.
§ Mrs. WhiteHer Majesty's Government ratify International Labour Organisation Conventions when domestic law and practices conform with the provisions of the Convention in question. Since it is our policy to ratify as many of the Conventions as possible, conditions are altered whether by legislation or other appropriate means to conform with the provisions of the Conventions wherever this is necessary and desirable.
§ Mr. DickensWhilst I am grateful for that reply, may I ask my hon. Friend whether she will take note of the fact that many of us on this side of the House want to see the early implementation of two recent Conventions, namely, Convention 100 on equal pay for equal work and Convention 111 dealing with discrimination in employment? Can she consult her right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour with a view to the early implementation of both Conventions?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs the House was informed in a reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Dr. Summerskill) on 20th May, he is engaged in discussions about equal pay with both sides of industry. As to the other Convention on discrimination, there is a Question on the Order Paper.