§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which non-governmental bodies he is consulting in his consideration of ratification of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of discrimination against women; and if this will include the Equal Opportunities Commission.
§ Mr. RifkindIn considering ratification, the Government are concerned primarily to examine the compatibility of domestic law and practice with the obligations which would arise from the convention. This necessitates expert legal study rather than consultation with non-governmental bodies. But we are aware that many non-governmental bodies hope to see the earliest possible United Kingdom ratification and are taking this into account.