HC Deb 13 February 1968 vol 758 cc1136-7
Q1. Mr. Ridley

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has for celebrating Human Rights Year.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 6th February to a Question by the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow).—[Vol. 758, c. 227.]

Mr. Ridley

Would the Prime Minister agree that a useful contribution at the start of Human Rights Year might be to bring in legislation to ban the secret courts of trade unions which try shop stewards, as in the case of Colt Ventilation Ltd?

The Prime Minister

That is a very helpful suggestion! The hon. Gentleman knows that the Royal Commission will be reporting shortly, and, as stated in the Gracious Speech, we shall decide our attitude to legislation in the light of that Report.

Mr. Orme

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in relation to the last point raised by the hon. Gentleman, the inquiry carried out by the A.E.U. was in line with its democratic procedures and its democratic rules?

The Prime Minister

I think that its democratic procedure reached a wrong answer. On the question of Britain's response to the challenge of Human Rights Year, we are greatly embarrassed by the fact that in one territory for which we have responsibility, namely, Rhodesia, there is a total denial of human rights.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the Prime Minister aware that I have a large number of suggestions to celebrate Human Rights Year, particularly in regard to the need for legislation to improve the conditions of women in all sections of our society? Will the right hon. Gentleman give me an undertaking that he will look at all these?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Lady is a living embodiment not only of Human Rights Year, but of the 50th anniversary of women's franchise in this country. Of course, I shall look at any constructive suggestions which the hon. Lady may put forward.

Mr. Archer

Would my right hon. Friend agree that Human Rights Year is a serious matter, and will he undertake to mark the occasion by acceding to the Genocide Convention?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend will be aware of the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign Office on the question of our accession to the Genocide Convention, and all other serious aspects of Human Rights Year.