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With reference also to its observation under the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes with interest the indication in the 1997 Annual Report on the Labour Inspection in Argentina, that for the purpose of promotion of the observance of the labour legislation in each of the countries-members of the MERCOSUR the participants in the first meeting of Ministers of Labour of MERCOSUR (1996) have agreed, inter alia, to conduct "joint operative missions" in the construction sector in which delegations of the MERCOSUR member countries can participate as observers in the conduct of inspection activities in the host country, followed by an evaluation of their results in order to determine the next joint activities. During the second joint operation conducted in Argentina in October 1997, two construction works have been inspected. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue in its future reports to supply information on such activities conducted in Argentina.

2. Article 6 of the Convention. Status and conditions of service of the inspection staff. The Committee notes the indication in the 1997 annual report on labour inspection that pursuant to Decree No. 1.183/96, dated 17 October 1996, the representatives of organizations of workers, possessing legal personality, were included into the system of Labour Inspection under the name of labour controllers (Controladores Laborales) with the aim of strengthening the tasks of control over labour relations. Under resolution No. 1.029/96, dated 19 December 1996, on the procedure for appointment of the labour controllers and their rights and obligations, the labour controllers are entrusted with the detection of non-registered workers and can to this effect request from the enterprises information necessary for the identification of such cases (articles 6 and 7 of the resolution). The Committee asks the Government to provide details of the status and conditions of service of the labour controllers and to indicate whether they are assured of stability of tenure and are independent of improper external influences.

3. Article 10. Number of labour inspectors. The Committee notes that the safety and health inspection is composed of 52 inspectors and 21 technicians and professionals, while the figures for the inspection of general labour conditions amount respectively to 470 and 49. Recalling that the adequacy of human resources is an essential element in the efficiency of labour inspection, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures adopted or envisaged to increase the number of inspectors in general and in the safety and health inspection in particular.