HC Deb 17 April 1967 vol 745 cc64-5
10. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Status of Women.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Thomson)

The United Kingdom instrument of accession to the United Nations Convention on the Political Rights of Women was deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 24th February, 1967.

Mr. Marquand

What are the aims set forward in the draft Convention about equality in economics, social life and education? Would my right hon. Friend accept that these ideals are very far from being applied in practice in this country? Will he arrange for the publication of a White Paper on this setting out the ways in which the Government intend to live up to these ideals?

Mr. Thomson

The question of equality of educational opportunity and equal pay in this country should be addressed to the appropriate Ministers. There will be a Command Paper laying before the House the reservations which have to be made in respect of our economic and domestic policies.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Never mind about the United Nations, can the Foreign Secretary say what he intends to do about the status of women?