HC Deb 05 March 1925 vol 181 c624
27. Captain WATERHOUSE

asked the Home Secretary the number of trade unionists who have contracted out of payment to the political fund of their union?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

This question was answered by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on Monday last. I am assured by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies that "contracted out" is only a phrase commonly but loosely used to describe men who have been exempted from contributing to the political fund of their union.

Captain WATERHOUSE

Last Monday the Under-Secretary asked me to put the question down for to-day. The bulk of the people in the list published last week were people who were either too old or too young and were exempt by the trade union rules in regard to the levy—[HON MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Can the right hon. Gentleman therefore state the number of trade unionists who have actually claimed exemption?

Captain BENN

Did not the right hon. Gentleman in answer to my question on Monday give me the numbers of those who had taken advantage of the exemption rules under the Act of 1913?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I was in bed on Monday. I was not in a position to see any questions, so that the hon. and gallant Member will take the answer of the Under-Secretary.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every trade union has to register and keep a book of all the members exempted, and send the particulars to the Registrar every 12 months?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That is the case.