This much-needed volume is the first detailed analysis of the legal meaning of ILO conventions within the ratifying Member States. In unprecedented depth a panel of distinguished authorities explores the role of ILO conventions in preparing and amending national legislation, in parliamentary debate, and in national case law. For comparative purposes, five countries the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands-are studied in depth. Among the points of discussion that arise are the following: - the social dumping that results from distortion of competition; - the ILO's supervision procedures; - protection of international migrant workers; - temporary exceptions for developing countries; and, - the possibility of modernising texts of older conventions.