HC Deb 29 January 1951 vol 483 c563
46. Miss Ward

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be able to state the outcome of the ministerial conversations which took place before Christmas with representatives of the Durham County Council on the matter of compulsory trades union membership of their employees.

The Prime Minister

I have no further statement to make.

Miss Ward

Is the Prime Minister aware that applicants are now being asked to produce evidence of trade union membership, and that only applicants who do so are appointed? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that that is against the law and that it means that applicants are being appointed to the service of Durham County on trade union membership rather than on merit; and will he take action to deal with this very difficult and unpleasant situation?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Lady seems to be giving information. If she will put a Question on the Order Paper I will look into it.