§ Q8. Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the Prime Minister what legislation is contemplated to eliminate discrimination against women in the United Kingdom and dependent territories.
§ The Prime MinisterNone at present, Sir, but if my hon. Friend has any specific examples of discrimination which she considers could be tackled by legislation perhaps she would let me know of them.
§ Mrs. JegerIs not the Prime Minister aware that this is Human Rights Year and that the Government are supporting die United Nations celebration of 20 years of the Declaration of Human Rights? Would it not, therefore, be fitting if we undertook the legislation necessary to enable us to sign the I.L.O. Convention on equal pay and the elimination of discrimination and certain other instruments of the United Nations to which we are not yet signatories?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of the celebration of 20 years' of human rights. I shall be involved in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the achievement of political rights for women in this country. However, if my hon. Friend would kindly specify the particular point which she has in ind—whether for the United Kingdom or for the associated territories and dependent territories—I should be glad to have it examined most carefully.
§ Mr. GoodhewWould not the hon. Lady's point be met by a Sex Relations Act?
§ Mr. WhitakerSurely the full cost eventually of equal pay for women is no excuse for starting its phased introduction. As a mere man, may I ask whether women have to resort to industrial action before they cease to pay this involuntary tax?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to what has been said on these difficult questions by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, who, as the House knows, has been having whole series of studies made of the cost and means of introducing this.