HC Deb 23 March 1933 vol 276 c501
44. Mr. RUTHERFORD

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities do not comply with Section 6 of the Trade Disputes Act, 1927, by making it a condition of employment by the council that applicants should be members of a trade union?

Sir H. YOUNG

I have no control over local authorities in this matter and consequently have not the information which my hon. Friend desires. I may, however, say that hardly any complaints have been received in the Ministry of Health.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what remedies are open to unemployed persons who are aggrieved in this matter?

Sir H. YOUNG

I must have notice of that question; but I would call the attention of the hon. Member to the first part of my answer, that this is not a matter within my control.

Mr. THORNE

Is not the Minister of Health aware that no discrimination at all is made between union and non-union men in regard to wages, and does he not think that non-union men should contribute towards this fund?

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Will the right hon. Gentleman take all steps in his power to prevent this injustice being done to unemployed persons by the Urban District Council of Edmonton by the application of an illegal resolution?

Sir H. YOUNG

I do not want to mislead the hon. Member, but it is not a matter within my control.