§ 5. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he has yet been able to ascertain whether the Durham County Council are continuing to require the production of evidence of membership of a professional association or trade union from their present and prospective employees; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs not the Minister aware that, on 26th January, circulars were sent out in this county laying it down that priority of redundancy should be accorded to employees of the school meals service who are not members of the appropriate trade union. Does not that action amount to the operative action of which His Majesty's Government said they would take serious notice?
§ Mr. DaltonMinisters are concerned about the action of a local authority only when it appears to endanger services for which the Ministers have responsibility. No such danger has developed in County Durham, where the services are highly efficient.