§ (1) Any two or more trade unions may, by the consent of a majority of the members of each or every such trade union voting at a ballot on the question, become amalgamated together as one trade union; and, accordingly, Section twelve of the Trade Union Act Amendment Act, 1876, shall have effect as if for the words "by the consent of not less than two thirds of the members of each or every such trade union" there were substituted the words "by the consent of a majority of not less than 20 per cent, of the members of each or every such trade union voting at a ballot on the question": Provided that not less than 50 per cent, of the members of such trade union entitled by their rules to vote take part in such vote.
§ (2) For removing doubts it is hereby declared that the said Section twelve applies to the amalgamation of one or more registered trade unions with one or more unregistered trade unions.
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. John Hodge)These Amendments deal with the ballot to be taken. The first leaves out words as to the method of consent, and the second and third are drafting Amendments.
§ Lords Amendments:
§ In Sub-section (1) leave out the words "by the consent of a majority of the members of each or every such trade union voting at a ballot on the question."— Agreed to.
§ In Sub-section (1), after the word "union" ["as one trade union"], insert the words "if in the case of each or every such trade union, on a ballot being taken, the votes of at least 50 per cent, of the members entitled to vote thereat are recorded, and of the votes recorded those in favour of the proposal exceed by 20 per cent, or more the votes against the proposal."—Agreed to.
§ Leave out the words "by the consent of a majority of not less than 20 per cent, of the members of each or every such trade union voting at a ballot on the question: Provided that not less than 50 per cent. of the members of such trade union entitled by their rules to vote take part in such vote," and insert instead thereof the words "if in the case of each or every such trade union, on a ballot being taken, the votes of at least 50 per cent, of the members entitled to vote thereat are recorded, and of the votes recorded those in favour of the proposal exceed by 20 per cent. or more the votes against the proposal."—Agreed to.