41. Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to a printed form issued by Messrs. Novello, music printers, London, to their employés, in which the latter are required to state to what approved society they belong; and whether, in view of the provisions of the National Insurance Act, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the hon. Member will furnish me with a copy of the form in question I will see whether it affords ground for inquiry by the Commissioners.
§ 42. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to a notice issued by Messrs. Hamley Brothers, Regent Street, to the effect that the directors wish it to be understood that they cannot approve of any employé belonging to the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks, and could not retain any member of this society in their employment, but as far as they are aware they have no objections to any other approved society; and will he state what action he proposes to take to secure freedom of choice for these workpeople?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have had no previous information as to this case. It is directly contrary to the spirit of the Act that freedom in the choice of an approved society should be. interfered with by pressure from employers. I am glad to say that very few allegations of the kind 1636 referred to have been brought to my notice, and the overwhelming majority of employers are observing the spirit as well as the letter of the Act.