asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have signed the United Nations convention on the elimination of discrimination against women; and if not, why not.

We have not yet signed this convention, but are examining the text in the hope that we may be able to do so. Among other considerations, we must take account of United Kingdom provisions on nationality, on which new legislation is to be introduced. We must also allow time to complete consultations with Dependent Territories, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.