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to the attention of British travellers through Iran the fact that the penalty in Iran for drug smuggling is death.
Mr. Luard: It is the responsibility of the individual traveller to acquaint him- self with the laws of the countries he intends to visit. Nevertheless, in the next edition of the pamphlet Essential In- formation, a copy of which is issued with each passport, attention will be drawn to the heavy penalties for the illegal possession of drugs in certain countries. The penalty enforceable in Iran will be mentioned in the leaflet on travel in that country.
Rhodesia
64. Mr. Hooley asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the light of increased dis- crimination against the African popula- tion of Rhodesia, he will propose further measures for the strengthening of sanc- tions.
Mr. Foley I share my hon. Friend's concern at the increasing discrimination against the African population of Southern Rhodesia. We are continually seeking, in consultation with the United Nations Sanctions Supervisory Commit- tee and the Commonwealth Sanctions Committee, ways and means of strengthening sanctions.
Seychelles (Conference)
65. Sir E. Errington asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs why no unofficial nomi- nated member of the Executive Council of the Seychelles has been invited to the Constitutional Conference which is being held in London on 9th March, in order that the views of all shades of opinion in the islands will be available.
Mr. Foley: The normal practice is for the Governor to recommend whether nominated unofficial members should be invited to attend a Conference of this kind. Having regard to the nature and content of the forthcoming discussions, it was decided not to invite a nominated unofficial member.
Factory, Cairo (Israeli Attack) 66. Sir D. Foot asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reply Her Majesty's Govern-
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ment have made to the representations which they have received from the United Arab Republic regarding the recent factory near Cairo and regarding the attacks by Israeli aircraft on a civilian
delivery by the United States of Phantom jets to Israel.
Mr. Luard: My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary have told the United Arab Republic Ambassador that we deplore this and all acts of violence in the Middle East. They also reminded him that we are willing to work for a general agreement on the limitation of arms supplies to the area,
even in advance of a political settlement.
Hong Kong
(Night-Shift Working)
67. Mr. Thornton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Commissioner of Labour in Hong Kong has given permission for women to be employed on night shifts in industrial establishments in Hong Kong: and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on this issue in the Colony.
Mr. Luard: The Hong Kong Factories and Industrial Undertakings Regulations prohibit the employment of adult women aged eighteen or more, and of any per- sons between fourteen and seventeen, in industrial undertakings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
With the specific approval of the Com- missioner of Labour about one thousand woman supervisors in selected industrial establishments are at present permitted to be employed on night work. In addition, the Commissioner has recently indicated that he is prepared to consider applica- tions for the employment of women on work at night for a trial period on a voluntary basis in certain industries and establishments where there is a shortage of production workers, and subject to proper safeguards. Since this scheme only came into operation on March 1st, it is too early to state whether any such applications have been granted.
These proposals were discussed with Her Majesty's Government before they were introduced and Her Majesty's Gov- ernment are satisfied that some night work under strictly controlled conditions can be accepted.
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Vol 797
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