§ 44. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Minister of Labour the number of unregistered trade unions; and how many of the above possess a membership of more than 50,000?
§ The MINISTER Of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)The number of unregistered trade unions and other employes' associations concerned with the conditions of employment of their members was 704 at the end of 1924, the latest date for which complete figures are available. Of these, two have over 50,000 members.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWould the right hon. Gentleman say what those two trade unions represent?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThey are, I think, the National Union of Teachers and the Union of Post Office Workers.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThis answer in particular applies to workmen's organisations.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre unregistered unions compelled to send in returns to the Registrar?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MA1TLANDNo, Sir.
§ 47. Mr. KELLYasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation at an early date to amend the law relating to trade unions; if so, whether one Bill will be introduced or more than one; and 2619 whether, in the meantime, he will publish the conclusions at which the Government has arrived, so that there may be a, full opportunity of discussion throughout the country?
§ 48. Commander FANSHAWEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will amend trade union law so as to ensure that no larger sum than the average of that expended by societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act shall be used for the management and expenses, including salaries, of trade unions?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I shall answer these questions together. I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.
§ Mr. KELLYAre we to understand that no promises have been made by the Government to any section of either workers' organisations or employers' organisations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWell, of course, without notice I could not answer that as regards what any individual members have said; but to my knowledge the answer would be in the negative.
§ Mr. KELLYI am not referring to individual members of the Government, but to spokesmen of the Government when receiving deputations from sections of either workpeople's organisations or employers' organisations.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should have to have notice of that question. I have not received any myself.
51. Sir H. BR ITTA INasked the Minister of Labour whether there is any method by which any member of the public may obtain information as to the expenditure of unregistered trade unions and the proportion of expenses incurred in salaries other than working expenses, strike pay and other benefits?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDUnregistered trade unions are not under a statutory obligation to make returns on their financial position, and information is available to the public only in so far as they voluntarily agree to its publication.