§ 33. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the United Kingdom Government have not, as yet, ratified the Supplementary Convention on Slavery made in Geneva in September, 1956.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Government have now ratified the Convention. The Instrument of Ratification was deposited with the Secretary-General of 3W the United Nations on 30th April, and the Convention entered into force on that date.
Our ratification was in respect of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. After twelve months from the date of signature, which means after 7th September this year, we shall inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, of the results of our consultations with non-metropolitan territories for whose international relations we are responsible. At the moment 24 such territories have signified their consent to the application of the Convention. Discussions with others are proceeding.