§ Mr. BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions she has had with the International Labour Organisation about the ban on trade union organisations at GCHQ; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThis matter has very recently been discussed in the international labour conference (ILO) where we confirmed that the dialogue with the trade unions on the issue remains open. At the same time we continued to make clear the overriding national security interests involved. The ILO took account of this position in reaching its conclusions which will be published shortly.