HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 cc249-50
12. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent consultations he has had with the International Labour Organisation about its investigation into the treatment of the Association of Free Trade Unions in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. John Grant

The investigation is still proceeding. The ILO's governing body, which considered the matter on 1st March 1979, was not satisfied by the USSR's general denial of the allegations concerning freedom of association in the Soviet Union and decided to press for observations or detailed information on the specific complaints.

Mr. Blaker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Soviet Union will seek by every means to drag its feet on this investigation as the full facts will clearly show that in the Soviet Union the trade union movement is merely another arm of the police state? Will he therefore encourage the ILO to pursue its investigations? Will he draw the existing facts, which have already been revealed, to the attention of leading members of the Labour Party who show such admiration for the Soviet way of life?

Mr. Grant

My recollection is that the Labour Party Executive has strongly supported the investigation. I do not think that it needs its attention drawn to these matters by me. The hon. Gentleman talks about the Soviet Union dragging its feet. We have to observe the due process of the ILO. I have explained that to the hon. Gentleman and to the House before. We are behind the ILO investigation and the Soviet Union is clearly in the dock.

Mr. Greville Janner

If my hon. Friend discusses with the ILO conditions of work in the USSR, will he draw its attention to the awful conditions of exiles such as Ida Nudel and Vladimir Slepak, as evidenced so dramatically on television last night? Will he inform it that Labour Members who are concerned with good relations with the USSR find it difficult when it behaves in that way towards its own workers?

Mr. Grant

I did not see the television programme that my hon. and learned Friend mentioned. I should have to check to ascertain whether it was relevant to the ILO's functions.