HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 c909
25. Mr. Raikes

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and how many women trade unionists there are in the country; and how many of these are paying the political levy.

Mr. Isaacs

The statistics do not distinguish between men and women, and precise information as to the present total membership of all trade unions is not available. The total membership of all registered trade unions in 1943, however, was 6,838,781, and it is estimated that the Unions having political funds had at that time approximately 5,900,000 members, of whom some 2,525,000 contributed to such funds. The total membership of unregistered trade unions is not reported to the Registrar of Friendly Societies, but the number of members of such Unions who contributed to political funds in 1943 was 515,502.

Sir T. Moore

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many contribute willingly?

Mr. Isaacs

All of them who contribute.

Major Guy Lloyd

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether his answer is not one of the main reasons for the introduction of the Trades Disputes Act Bill?

Mr. Palmer

Would my right hon. Friend tell us, if he can, how many employers of labour contribute to the political funds of the Conservative Party?