HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 cc14-5W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill of 3 February, what considerations of policy led to the conclusion that the amendments to legislation required to give further effect to the provisions of the International Labour Organisation convention No. 111 are unnecessary and undesirable.

Mr. Nicholls

The main consideration is the difference between United Kingdom law and the terms of the convention concerning the Civil Service and armed forces. Nationality rules for these two groups are specifically excluded from the scope of the Race Relations Act 1976.

The Government consider the maintenance of these rules essential to ensure the close identification of the personnel concerned with the United Kingdom.