HC Deb 29 January 1931 vol 247 cc1127-9
13. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Minister of Labour how many trades unions, registered and unregistered, respectively, took ballots prior to 1926 on the adoption of political objects, as provided in the Trade Union Act, 1913; the total number of votes cast in such ballots; the total membership of the unions at the time when the ballots were taken; and the total membership of the same unions at 31st December, 1930?

Mr. LAWSON

Prior to 1926 148 registered trade unions and 41 unregistered trade unions took ballots on the adoption of political objects as provided in the Trade Union Act, 1913. The number of votes cast in 147 of the 148 registered unions was 964,720; the remaining union returned no figures but stated that the result was unfavourable. The number of votes cast in the 41 unregistered unions was 786,976. The total membership of the 148 registered unions at the end of the year in which the ballots were taken was 3,066,192. The membership of the unregistered unions at the end of the year in which ballots were taken cannot be given as no return of those particulars was made to the Chief Registrar. Membership for 1930 is not yet available as the last date for furnishing Annual Returns is 1st June.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Do not the figures of other trade unions which have a political fund show that in every case except one a minority of the members of the union voted in favour of the political fund, and is it not now a minority of a minority under which they have a political fund?

Mr. LAWSON

I am afraid that is a matter of opinion on which the hon. Member and I do not agree.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

If the Parliamentary Secretary will read the figures in the answer given by his right hon. Friend the other day, he will see that it is not a question of opinion but a matter of fact.

22. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Minister of Labour whether the National Union of Textile Workers and the National Union of General and Municipal Workers have held a ballot qualifying them to keep a political fund; and, if so, when, and what were the numbers voting for and against?

Mr. LAWSON

The National Union of Textile Workers and the National Union of General and Municipal Workers have not, as such, held a ballot as they did not come into existence in their present form until 1922 and 1924 respectively. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures for the ballots taken by the Unions out of which these amalgamated unions were formed.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Are not these two unions holding political funds in defiance of the law?

Mr. THORNE

Is my hon. Friend aware that the second union mentioned decided to have a political fund as far back as 38 years and 8 months ago?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is there anything in the law to exempt the unions from holding a ballot?

Mr. MACLEAN

On a point of Order. Is not the question put by the hon. Member a legal question, and, as such, is it not barred from being put in at the Table, and ought it not to be barred now from supplementary questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I did not think it was an improper question to put.

Mr. MACLEAN

I hope that that will be remembered when other questions are handed in at the Table.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the hon. Gentleman give me an answer?

Mr. HAYDAY

Will my hon. Friend also take into account that these unions now represent amalgamated unions, that they were separate entities before and fulfilled the obligations of the law then by taking a ballot.

Mr. LAWSON

That is so, and that is what I was going to say. They have become amalgamated.

UNIONS FORMED BY AMALGAMATION.
National Union of Textile Workers.
Name. Date of Ballot. Votes for. Votes against. Membership at end of year in which ballot was taken.
National Society of Dyers, Finishers and Textile Workers (formerly National Society of Dyers and Finishers). 1914 2,995 1,626 6,924
General Union of Textile Workers … 1914 8,067 2,037 13,431
Yeadon, Guiseley and District Factory Workers Union. — — — (at 31st December, 1914).
The above Unions amalgamated to form the National Union of Textile Workers, registered 15th June, 1922.
National Union of General and Municipal Workers.
National Amalgamated Union of Labour. 1914 18,214 7,470 55,453
Municipal Employees Association … 1914 5,858 1,784 25,341
National Union of General Workers — — — —
The above Unions amalgamated to form the National Union of General and Municipal Workers, registered 11th June, 1924.
National Union of General Workers (formerly National Union of Gas Workers and General Labourers of Great Britain and Ireland). 1913 27,802 4,339 134,538
British Labour Amalgamation … — — — 4,872 (at 31st December, (1913).
The above Unions amalgamated to form the National Union of General Workers, registered 17th August, 1917.