§ Mr. John Grantasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make representations to the Turkish Government to restore free trade unionism in Turkey and to seek to ensure that overseas observers are able to attend the current trials of trade union leaders there.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThe Turkish Government have committed themselves to restoring democratic institutions. They are aware of our concern that this should be done rapidly and in full. I understand that new trades union legislation is being drafted by the Turkish authorities and that this process is well advanced.
I am not aware of any bar on attendance by overseas observers at the current trials of trade union leaders in Turkey, which are being held in public and in accordance with the provisions of the Turkish criminal code. We share concern at the plight of the DISK trade union leaders currently being tried in Istanbul for whom the death sentence has been requested and are watching developments closely.