§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations with non-governmental organisations the United Kingdom Government have been required or recommended to make prior to making submissions to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concerning article II of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and which non-governmental organisations have been consulted prior to submissions being made.
§ Mr. Charles Wardle[holding answer 20 April 1993]: I have been asked to reply.
While there is no formal obligation to consult, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has welcomed contributions by non-governmental groups in the preparation of reports under the covenant.
I will write to the hon. Member about the second part of his question once necessary consultations with a number of other Government Departments is completed.