HC Deb 05 November 1930 vol 244 cc834-5
15. Mr. HORE-BELISHAM

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a joint meeting of representatives of the National Union of Ship Joiners, Furnishers, and Allied Trades and the Government Workers industrial Union, urging that a joint committee be formed to press for immediate recognition of these two trade unions for representation on any existing bodies recognised for negotiating purposes by the Admiralty, War Office, or other Government Departments; and if he intends to take any action to facilitate their aspirations?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part the Government Workers Industrial Union is on the same footing in this respect as the National Union of Ship Joiners, Furnishers and Allied Trades and I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 30th July (OFFICIAL REPORT, columns 466–7).

Sir K. WOOD

I suppose that the hon. Gentleman cannot say whether the fact that the Government Workers' Industrial Union refuses to subscribe to the funds of the Socialist party has anything to do with the matter?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether any reason operates, and, if so, what is that reason, why the first of these unions should not be represented, since practically everybody engaged in that trade belongs to that union?

Mr. AMMON

An answer was given yesterday from another Department to a similar question. Unions which are affiliated to the Trade Union Congress and are national, are considered, and that is the case with the Whitley Council.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Has the Admiralty taken into account that, in the present state of the law, the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Act prevents unions of Government employés being affiliated with an outside body?

Mr. AMMON

The hon. Member is entirely wrong. It does not prevent anything of the sort; it prevents them taking part in political action.

Mr. KELLY

Is it the fact that all employés of the Admiralty are represented by those who now conduct the negotiations?

Mr. AMMON

Yes. That is so.

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