§ 31. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Labour who represented this country at the International Labour Convention 22 48th Session in Geneva; whether they took part in proceedings relating to Convention 122, concerning employment policy; and whether Great Britain is a signatory to this Convention.
§ Mr. GunterThe United Kingdom delegation consisted of two senior officers from my Department and two other delegates representing respectively employer's and workers' organisations. They were assisted by 28 advisers from Government Departments and from employers' and workers' organisations. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is "Yes".
§ Mr. OsbornHas the Minister read the report of the debate that took place on 12th August concerning the closed shop policy in local authorities and in industry? To what extent does he consider that the operation of a closed shop policy in industry and local authorities is compatible with this Convention?
§ Mr. GunterThe whole question of the closed shop—which is a very complicated one, and differs in terms from the situation in other countries—is now before the Royal Commission, and I hope that it will give us guidance on it.