§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 3.58 p.m.
§ Mr. Nigel Davies (Epping)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
I have only a short time at my disposal, but the Bill has the merit of being short. Since the repeal of the Trades Disputes Act a situation has arisen which places the Government in an impossible position whereby, according to the law, they are powerless to intervene to take 610 action against something universally considered to be undesirable. As is well known, the point has been reached at which the Minister of Education has had to make an individual Order, the validity of which is apparently doubtful. Surely in the circumstances it is logical to introduce a Bill to prohibit such action being taken concerning a closed shop, because other cases may arise in which local authorities will try to introduce the closed shop. I feel that such a Bill should receive a certain degree of support on all sides of the House.
§ Mr. Emrys Hughes (South Ayrshire)Does the Bill apply to Scotland?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, it applies to Scotland, but not to Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Bing (Hornchurch)Why not?
§ Mr. DaviesI would remind hon. Members that Northern Ireland has a Parliament.
§ Mr. Bing rose—
§ Mr. DaviesThe Bill is not aimed at trade unions.
§ Mr. John McKay (Wallsend)On a point of order—
§ It being Four o'Clock further Proceeding stood adjourned.
§ Bill to be read a Second time upon. Friday, 20th April.