HC Deb 01 August 1978 vol 955 cc245-6
11. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions he has had with the International Labour Oragnisation about the recognition by that body of the Association of Free Trade Union Workers in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics since his reply to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South on 6th June.

Mr. John Grant

The ILO has confirmed that its constitution does not provide for formal recognition of any trade union or organisation of workers or employers. It has, however, machinery for investigating allegations of infringement of the basic right to establish and join such organisations and, as I informed the House on 6th June, the case is now under investigation, but we cannot expect any report before the next meeting of the ILO governing body in November.

Mr. Blaker

Are not the rights which this association is claiming guaranteed to its members by an international convention which has been ratified by the Soviet Union? In view of the increasing concern felt in this country about breaches of human rights by the Soviet Union, will the Government represent to the United Kingdom members of the governing body of the ILO that any unnecessary delay in following up this important matter would be very regrettable?

Mr. Grant

We should not want to see any unnecessary delay. The United Kingdom Government's views on this are very clear, as they are generally on human rights. But it would be equally wrong for us to try to breach the due process of the ILO. It is a matter on which we have stood firm in the past and on which we want to continue to stand firm. All I can suggest to the hon. Gentleman is that he tables another Question which I can answer in November.