§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy on the application of the International Labour Organisation conventions on(a) freedom of association and protection of the right to organise and (b) application of the principles of the right to organise and bargain collectively, to United Kingdom workers (i) generally and (ii) in the oil industry.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIt is the Government's firm policy to honour their obligations under the international labour conventions they have ratified. Workers in the oil industry are covered in the same way as those in any other occupation or industry.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from employees of the oil industry concerning the right of freedom of association at their place of work; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State receives representations from employees70W on a variety of issues, but none has been identified in this form. Our employment law is consistent with international treaties ratified by the United Kingdom on freedom of association.