§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he took to satisfy himself that his action in withholding the right to belong to a trade union from employees at Government communications headquarters was not in breach of international law; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe carefully considered the legal implications of the measures which I announced in the House on 25 January, and are satisfied that they are consistent with international law.
§ Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the unions during the course of the recent negotiations about membership of trade unions at Government communications headquarters ever refused to offer any assurance, legally binding or otherwise, requested by the Government.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe listened carefully to all the unions had to say. But an unbridgeable gap remained between the proposals made by the trade unions and the objectives which the Government believe must be met in the interests of national security.