HC Deb 16 April 1946 vol 421 cc2491-2
18. Mr. Garry Alliģhan

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that Mr. G. E. Reynolds, a Gravesend member of the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers, has been directed to work in the Greenside Pit of the Stella Coal Company, Limited, at Blaydon, County Durham, who are making deductions from his pay as compulsory contributions to the Durham Miners' Association; and whether his Regulations permit colliery owners to make such deductions from the pay of directed mineworkers.

Mr. Shinwell

The deductions to which my hon. Friend refers were made as a result of a misunderstanding and I understand they have been refunded. I have not made any regulations concerning deductions from pay on behalf of trade unions.

Mr. Alliģhan

Will the Minister assure the House that representations will be made from his Ministry to make it certain that young fellows who are directed into the coal mines are not also directed compulsorily into any particular trade union, outside the union of which they were ordinarily members?

Mr. Shinwell

We shall not do anything to force men into any particular trade union, but obviously, it is desirable that the men should be in a trade union.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Leslie

Is not this a matter for negotiation among the unions concerned rather than for a Question on the Order Paper?

Mr. Shinwell

It happens to be on the Order Paper, and I was replying to it.