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In previous comments, the Committee referred, inter alia, to various provisions of the Penal Code, the Public Order Act, the Prohibited Publications Order, 1968, the Merchant Shipping Act, 1967, and the Trade Disputes Act (Cap. 234) under which imprisonment (involving an obligation to perform labour) may be imposed as a punishment for the display of emblems or the distribution of publications signifying association with a political object or political organisation, for various breaches of discipline in the merchant marine and for participation in certain forms of strike.

The Committee notes the Government's renewed statement in its report that discussions continue between the Office of the President, the Attorney-General's Chambers, the Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Labour regarding the proposals that the Government intends to introduce in order to bring national legislation, and especially the Merchant Shipping Act, into conformity with the provisions of the Convention.

The Committee trusts that the Government will soon be able to report on progress achieved as regards the above-mentioned provisions. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide detailed information on various points raised in a more detailed request which is again being addressed directly to the Government.