45. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Prime Minister whether, in deference to the widespread feeling amongst many sections of the community, he will consider the desirability of introducing, at an early date, a Measure which will enable all members of trades unions to register their votes in cases of industrial disputes according to the accepted Parliamentary method?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)There is no statutory restriction, except in respect of a political levy, on the freedom of trade unions to determine their own procedure for ascertaining the views of their members on particular questions. As at present advised, I am not satisfied that it is necessary to interfere with this freedom.
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that this request emanates from the people most concerned, that is, trade union members and their wives; and will he also consider that these people are among the most loyal and staunch supporters of the Government?
§ Mr. LUNNHas the Prime Minister received representations for this reform from any of the trade unions in the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have had no representations, but they would not necessarily come to me.
§ Mr. LUNNOn a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to express an opinion, as in this question, that there is a widespread feeling among many sections, when it is not true of any trade union? [HON. MEMBERS: "It is true!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am very reluctant to express an opinion on the matter. Hon. Members in all parts of the House are inclined to think that there is a widespread opinion when it is their own.
§ Sir H. CROFTOn a point of Order. Are hon. Members entitled to say that a thing is not true, when every single Member on this side of the House has received such representation?
§ Mr. SPEAKEREach Member thinks his opinion to be the true one.
§ 46. Mr. TAYLORasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the summoning of a representative industrial conference to explore the possibilities of an agreed policy as the basis of an era of industrial peace in all the great staple industries of the country; and whether he would be willing to charge such a conference with the duty of considering and reporting upon a national living wage, the over-capitalisation of industry, the effect of monetary policy, and the incidence of local and national taxation upon the economic life of the nation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs the hon. Member is probably aware, discussions are already in progress in a number of industries. I feel sure that the method of approaching the matter industry by industry is the most profitable one, and it seems to me a general conference of the kind proposed would not serve any useful purpose at the present time.