§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the attitude of the British delegation at the ILO to the complaint made by International Confederation of Free Trade Unions that the Government of Czechoslovakia, by dismissing supporters of the Charter 77 Movement, has violated the Convention 111 which requires that no one be denied employment for holding political beliefs.
Lord WALLACE of COSLANYMy Lords, under ILO procedures the Government of Czechoslovakia has the right of reply to the complaint made by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the right to be present when their reply is debated later this year by the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation. As these procedures have not yet been completed the matter must be regarded as sub judice, and it would not be appropriate to express views on the substance of the complaint. The Government take the view that all Governments should comply with the terms of ILO Conventions they have ratified.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, while not wishing to repudiate the sub judice issue, may I ask the Government this question very seriously: May it not be that these international agencies in which East and West participate, neutral nations participate and trade union organisations and employers have a part, are the most effective means of exerting influence to end the persecution of dissidents, not only in the Communist countries but in all the countries in the world?
Lord WALLACE of COSLANYMy Lords, I would not disagree with my noble friend. In this case some papers are being submitted, and the matter will be dealt with under the usual procedure. I would not disagree. In point of fact this is, contrary to some people's thinking, a very useful and valuable organisation.