Mr. MANDEBasked the Home Secretary what action he is taking with regard to the request to receive a deputation concerning the Night-Work for Women Convention?
§ Sir J. GILMOUR:I have carefully considered the request that a deputation of women's organisations should be received to discuss the situation arising out of the Advisory Opinion of the Permanent Court of International Justice 574W on the International Labour Convention concerning the employment of women during the night. I would point out that the decision of the International Court does not appear to create any new situation so far as this country is concerned. The Court endorsed the view previously put forward by the British Government that the Convention applies to women holding responsible positions of management and His Majesty's Government propose to recommend to the Governing Body in April that the British proposal to amend the Convention so as to exempt such women should, in view of the Court's decision, again be brought before the International Labour Conference. Moreover, the general view which I understand to be held in these organisations that restrictions such as are prescribed under this Convention should not be applied to women unless also applied to men, has been fully represented by previous deputations at the Home Office. In these circumstances, I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by receiving a further deputation; and I have sent a reply to that effect, drawing attention to the above considerations.