HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1328-9
48. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many trade unionists are still not aware of their legal rights regarding contributions to the political fund of their unions, and if in the light of this fact he will issue a leaflet setting out these legal rights in simple terms.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. I have no reason to believe that the procedure prescribed in existing legislation is not operating satisfactorily.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware of a leaflet, a copy of which I have here, which has been given a very wide circulation amongst trade unionists, and that this leaflet contains very thinly veiled threats of victimisation to those who contract out of the political levy? In the light of that does he not think it is of the utmost importance that trade unionists should really understand their legal rights?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot comment upon a leaflet which I have not seen and of the origin of which I have no information, but all trade unionists are aware that they must publish the Registrar-General's rule relating to that matter in their rule books. Any trade unionist who wants to know his position has only to look at his own rule book.

Mr. Berry

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Conservative Party have given very wide publicity to the question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has raised?

Mr. Isaacs

I am aware of that fact and seeing that trade unionists are doing all that is required by law, and that other people are also interested in the matter I do not think that anything further need be done.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that the leaflet to which I refer is called "Hey, Half a Minute!" and is published by the Socialist Party, and is not the reason for the publication of this leaflet the annoyance of the party at the loss of income principally caused by men and women contracting out of the political levy?

Mr. Isaacs

That is another question.