HC Deb 23 January 1951 vol 483 cc23-4
41. Miss Ward

asked the Prime Minister if he has any further statement to make on the results of the discussions between Ministers and the Durham County Council on the question of the production of evidence of union membership.

43. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the result of the discussions between His Majesty's Government and the Durham County Council on the subject of the latter's decision to make membership of a professional association or trade union a condition of employment by it.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. The answer is "No, Sir."

Miss Ward

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give complete satisfaction so that this question can be settled once and for all? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House has been extremely patient? Is it not time that he was in a position to say what the Government are going to do in this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I am always in hope of giving complete satisfaction, but the crucial test in this is whether this policy begins to be implemented with consequences of which the Government ought to take notice. That stage, I gather, is not yet reached.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the procedure of requiring evidence of trade union membership is being carried out at this moment or not?

Mr. Morrison

I do not know, Sir.