HC Deb 25 October 1966 vol 734 cc806-7
12. Mr. Winnick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in getting a clause inserted in all Government contracts that no forms of colour and race discrimination shall exist.

Mr. Callaghan

The Government are consulting the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry on ways of using Government purchasing to discourage racial discrimination in employment.

Mr. Winnick

Would my right hon. Friend be a little more explicit? Is it the Government's intention to put a clause into all Government contracts, and, if so, is there any chance that such a clause will be finalised by the end of the year?

Mr. Callaghan

The purpose of the consultations is to decide the best way of achieving this principle. Therefore, I cannot give an answer at the moment to the first part of my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Could the Chancellor tell us, on this important matter, whether it is legal difficulty—that is, basically the question of definition—that is holding this up, or whether anybody is raising objections on the principle of what it seeks to do?

Mr. Callaghan

I do not think it is legal difficulties or objections in principle. The matter has gone to the T.U.C. and C.B.I., who are turning their attention to what is the best way of achieving the principle, and I do not think that the legal difficulties concern them at the moment.