§ Mrs. McKayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware 170W that almost all the United Kingdom's dependent territories are in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the United Nations Convention on the Political Rights of Women, and that non-ratification leaves the United Kingdom's policy open to misunderstanding and misrepresentation; and if, in view of the fact that ratification, even with reservations, establishes the United Kingdom's position in relation to the principle of women's political rights, he will now ratify the Convention, with reservations if necessary.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe position regarding the ability of the dependent territories to comply with the obligations imposed by the Conventions was set out in my reply of 31st January. The position in the metropolitan territory has also been thoroughly studied recently. Her Majesty's Government are now considering in the light of their recent review of the whole position whether the United Kingdom should accede to the Convention. In principle they would like to do so, and we have the possibility of making reservations in mind.