HC Deb 28 February 1966 vol 725 cc178-9W
Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the International Labour Organisation Convention concerning the Abolition of Forced Labour has been ratified by the United Kingdom or not; in the latter case, what are the reasons for the delay; and what steps must be taken to ensure its ratification in the near future.

Mr. Padley

The United Kingdom ratified the Convention on 30th December, 1957.

Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the International Labour Organisation Convention concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation has been ratified by the United Kingdom or not; in the latter case, what are the reasons for the delay; and what steps must be taken to ensure its ratification in the near future;

(2) whether the International Labour Organisation Convention concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value has been ratified by the United Kingdom or not; in the latter case, what are the reasons for the delay; and what steps must be taken to ensure its ratification in the near future.

Mr. Padley

The United Kingdom has not ratified either the I.L.O. Convention on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation or that on equal remuneration. Her Majesty's Government fully accept the general principles set out in the Convention concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation and the principle of equal pay for equal work. They are, however, unable to ratify either Convention at present because, in the matter of equal pay, the present position in the United Kingdom is not fully in accordance with all the detailed requirements of these instruments. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour on 31st January to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mrs. McKay).

Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the International Labour Organisation Convention concerning Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise has been ratified by the United Kingdom or not; in the latter case, what are the reasons for the delay; and what steps must be taken to ensure its ratification in the near future.

Mr. Padley

The United Kingdom ratified the Convention on 9th December, 1959.