§ 26. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour whether any further 2090 reports have been made to his Department of cases where trade unions have imposed, or threatened to impose, penalties of fines, expulsion, or refusal of benefit to their members on account of their action during the general strike; and, if so, whether he will state the number and the action taken in each case?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have received further reports of the kind indicated covering 22 individuals. One case has been settled. I am investigating the remainder.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask whether in cases of this nature, where action has been taken prejudicial to the interests of a contributor to the scheme, that contributor would have a justifiable action against the officers of the union?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am afraid that I cannot give a legal opinion; it is not my business.
Commander WILLIAMSIn how many cases has there been expulsion, and what are the different unions mainly concerned?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, I will give him an answer. So far as expulsion is concerned, I am not aware that there has been any case where expulsion has in fact been carried out, hut I am speaking from memory.
Sir F. HALLWhat redress would a member of a union have against the officers of the union in the event of his taking action.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question cannot be argued.