§ 58. Sir John Mellorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a voting paper, a copy of which has been sent him, issued on 21st January by the Typographical Association, requiring members who have omitted to contract out of the political levy, to vote in order of preference for four nominated persons in the election of a parliamentary candidate and imposing fines for failure to vote; and whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit such additional impositions upon trade unionists.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallYes, Sir. The fine is provided for in the rules of the union, which the members can amend if they wish. I am not prepared to introduce legislation prohibiting such rules.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over half the members of this union have contracted out of the political levy? Is that any reason why the remainder should be required to vote for a panel of Socialists, or be fined for not doing so?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI have answered. The supplementary question which the hon. Baronet has put is exactly the same 953 question in other words as the Question he had on the Order Paper, and I have answered that.