§ MR. MUNDELLAasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is prepared to introduce a Bill to amend the Trade Union Act of 1871, in accordance with the memorial presented by a deputation on 11th November last, the proposals in which he pronounced "well deserving of consideration," and "very reasonable;" or if the Government will support such a Bill if introduced by a private Member?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXOHE-QUERWhen I originally introduced the first Friendly Societies Bill I included in it some clauses relating to trade unions which would, I think, if they had been adopted with any modifications that the House might have been 679 pleased to make, have remedied the grievances referred to in this Question. However, there was a great objection taken at that time on the part of members of trade unions to be included in such legislation, and they have accordingly been excluded from it. In the course of last Autumn I received a deputation from some gentlemen connected with trade unions, pointing out certain disadvantages under which they still labour, and I certainly did admit that their complaints were reasonable and well-founded. But I must point out to the hon. Gentleman that it does not lie with me to introduce any Bill relating to trade unions if they are dealt with separately. That is rather a matter that would come under the cognizance of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I think, however, I may say, on my right hon. Friend's behalf as well as on my own, that the most convenient course appears to be that gentlemen interested in the question should introduce a Bill containing such provisions as they think are required. If the Government should see such a Bill, and find it limited to matters that they can reasonably deal with, they will, of course, be ready to give it any proper support.