§ 7. Captain BULLOCKasked the Minister of Labour whether there are any trade unions who refuse to admit women to full membership; and whether, in that case, he will give their names and the reasons actuating them in such a policy?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYBefore this question is answered, Mr. Speaker, may I draw your attention to the last part of it, and ask whether it is in order to interrogate the Government upon matters for which the Minister is not responsible?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a, matter which is not under the control of the Minister, and I anticipate that that is what the Minister will say.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre not questions repeatedly disallowed by you, Mr. Speaker, asking for information for which the Minister is not responsible, and as to which he cannot reply?
§ Mr. SPEAKERHad the last words of the question caught my eye, I should have struck them out.
§ Mr. SHAWThere is a large number of trade unions with no female members. Whether this is due to a refusal to admit women members or to other considerations I cannot say, nor am I in a position to state the reasons actuating trade unions in their policy.
§ Mr. TURNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of trade unions welcome women as members?
Viscountess ASTORIs the Minister aware that a great many trade unions do not admit women to membership?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMinisters do not control the trade unions.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the hon. and gallant Member who put this question is one of those who introduced legislation to cripple trade unions?