International Labour Adviser

HC Deb 18 February 1991 vol 186 cc51-2W

Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will publish the manning level of the international labour adviser's Department and the comparable figures for five, 10 and 25 years ago;

(2) what are the functions of the international labour adviser in his Department;

(3) if he will make a statement about the future of his office's international labour adviser's Department.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The manning levels including support staff, for the office of international labour adviser are as follows:

	Staff
1991	3
1986	3
1981	5
1966	8

Two reviews have recently been carried out on the need for a separate office of ILA. The conclusion endorsed by Ministers was that retention is no longer justified.

The function of the ILA has been liaison between United Kingdom Government Departments, overseas posts, FCO departments and British trade union organisations on international labour and social questions, and to offer advice as necessary.