45. Mr. G. MURRAYasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to determining if a strike has the support of the majority of the members of a trade union, the Government will consider the desirability of introducing legislation making a strike illegal unless, under machinery to he established by such legislation, a secret ballot of the members of the union has taken place showing that the majority of the members voting are in favour of such strike?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Monday last to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle North.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is on record any instance where a body of workmen, having taken a ballot in favour of a strike, have then decided against a strike?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think that matters in regard to this question. It is obvious that that kind of strike which we have in mind is very undesirable. My answer was that the Government are considering what steps can be taken.