§ 50. Mr. PIKEasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the works committee of the Durham County Council have prepared for issue to every workman upon their permanent staff a questionnaire which instructs him, or her, to declare willingness to join a trade union and to allow the trade union contribution to be deducted from his, or her, weekly pay packet; and what action he 2042 will take against the Durham County Council to ensure the effective working of the Trade Disputes Act, 1926?
§ The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)I am informed that the Durham County Council have approved a resolution of the Works Committee that every workman on the permanent staff be given an opportunity of declaring his willingness to join an appropriate trade union, and to allow the appropriate trade union contribution to be deducted from his wages and that a questionnaire has been issued accordingly. I have no in formation disclosing any offence under Section 6 of the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act, 1927.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the great possibilities that arise from this questionnaire in the matter of intimidation, in order to protect those persons who do not wish to declare their intention of subscribing or otherwise to trade union funds? Will he keep a watchful eye on the Durham County Council?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he thinks there is anything improper in the action of the county council when the works committee actually make a report to them?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALIt is not my duty to express an opinion on the propriety of conduct apart from the commission of a criminal offence.