HC Deb 13 June 1995 vol 261 cc475-7W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries have withdrawn from the International Labour Organisation in the last 30 years; and when. [27809]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

In the last 30 years the following countries have withdrawn from the International Labour Organisation:

  • South Africa (1966): rejoined 1994
  • Lesotho (1971): rejoined 1980
  • Vietnam (1976 and again in 1985): rejoined 1980 and 1992
  • United States of America (1977): rejoined 1980

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what notice is necessary before a country withdraws from the International Labour Organisation. [27808]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Under the terms of the constitution of the International Labour Organisation, two years' notice is necessary before a country can formally withdraw from the International Labour Organisation.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the International Labour Organisation programme to eradicate child labour. [27806]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We support the ILO's international programme on the elimination of child labour. The programme helps countries assess and tackle the practical problems they face through advice and direct technical assistance.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs what is his assessment of the work of the International Labour Organisation together with the International Maritime Organisation and the United Kingdom Government in the prevention of maritime accidents leading to loss of life and environmental pollution. [27814]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Maritime safety is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.

Although the International Maritime Organisation is the United Nations agency in the lead on maritime safety matters, the International Labour Organisation has developed a substantial body of conventions and resolutions addressing various aspects of the employment of seafarers. It has encouraged the international adoption of standards relating, for example, to the accommodation, fitness, catering and other health and safety aspects of working at sea.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he or his colleagues have held with Senator Jesse Helms, chair of the United States Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, about membership of the International Labour Organisation or the other United Nations agencies. [27804]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry about United Kingdom participation in the International Labour Organisation. [27812]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the International Labour Organisation's work in building social safety nets in eastern Europe since 1989. [27807]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The International Labour Organisation is one of a number of multilateral and bilateral donors which have been operating in central and eastern Europe since 1989 to help support the transition to democracy and a market economy. It has helped member states to develop new labour market institutions such as employment and training services; to revise and modernise their labour legislation and social security systems and to help the development of independent employers' organisations and trade unions.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the annual costs of sending employer representatives to participate in International Labour Organisation meetings. [27811]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The cost is estimated to be about £18,000.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what follow-up there has been to the paragraphs in the declaration signed by Her Majesty's Government at the United Nations world summit for social development urging ratification and implementation of International Labour Organisation conventions relating to employment rights of minors, women, youth, the disabled and indigenous persons. [27813]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The declaration is a political statement and not a set of minimum standards to be applied universally.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made as to how many United Kingdom nationals would lose their jobs as a result of Britain withdrawing from the International Labour Organisation. [27817]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I have made no such estimate.