HC Deb 05 March 1925 vol 181 cc627-8
34. Captain BENN

asked the Home Secretary how many associations of employers are registered by the Registrar of Friendly Societies; how many of these make expenditure for political purposes: and under what regulations?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies informs me that at the 31st December, 1923, 93 associations of employers were on the register of trade unions. Only one of these makes payments in furtherance of political objects, and in this case the furtherance of political objects was duly approved by a ballot taken under the Trade Union Act, 1913.

Captain BENN

May we take it that the other employers' associations which make payments for political purposes do so without ballots?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am afraid that the hon. and gallant Gentleman must take the answer which I gave. There is only one association which makes payments in furtherance of political objects.

Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of whether the Durham miners have taken a ballot?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I must ask for notice of questions on details of that kind.