HC Deb 28 February 1957 vol 565 cc1379-81
23 and 24. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Labour (1) when he proposes to appoint a Royal Commission on the functions and organisation of British trade unions with special reference to the conduct of elections for office within individual unions and to the relationship between union officers, branch officers and shop stewards;

(2) when he proposes to introduce legislation to stimulate individual trade union members to accept their democratic responsibilities by voting in elections for trade union office.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I do not contemplate adopting either of the courses to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Iremonger

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the time has come for the Government to recognise, and to be seen to recognise, the very serious repercussions on the national economy and on the standard of living of the people at large of the out-of-date system of trade union organisation in relation to the structure of modern industry? Will he say what method he favours to stimulate recognition of the fact that leaders of trade unions are very often elected to office on a small minority vote and that such leaders are dedicated to the destruction of the British way of life against the views of the majority of the trade unionists whom they represent?

Mr. Macleod

It is also true that many of our county councils are elected on very small votes. I understand my hon. Friend's anxiety to this extent, that he is anxious, I take it, to see an end to apathy in trade unions and their elections, and, indeed, anywhere else. So are we all. The one way in which I am certain that that cannot be achieved is by legislation.

Mr. Robens

Is it not a fact that the rules of trade unions are registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies, that they must conform to the law governing trade unions, and that, without exception, every member of a trade union has a right to a vote in the election of any officers in his union, either personally or by delegating his vote? Is it not also the case that where free men associate freely, they are entitled to observe their own rules in their own way, without interference by people who know nothing at all about the trade union movement and whose intervention could cause serious trouble in a movement which has rendered tremendous service to this country and to Governments of all political colours?

Mr. Macleod

I have a very high opinion, which I have expressed on every possible occasion, of the trade union movement of this country. What the right hon. Gentleman says about registration is true. It is equally true, of course, that the law of this country could be altered by this House if we thought it wise to do so, but I am saying in answer to my hon. Friend that I do not think that we should.

Mr. Beswick

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, is it competent for the Minister of Labour, even if he so wished, to appoint a Royal Commission? Can you tell me how the Question comes to be directed to the Minister of Labour?

Mr. Speaker

A Royal Commission is, of course, appointed by Her Majesty, on advice. I think that this is merely a loose way of referring to advice about the appointment of a Royal Commission. No Minister can appoint it by himself.

Mr. Beswick

I asked the question, Mr. Speaker, because I had addressed a Question about a Royal Commission to the Prime Minister, and I see that it has been directed not to the Prime Minister but to another Minister. Therefore, I ask not only whether it is the case that Her Majesty would appoint a Royal Commission but that she would do so on the advice not of the Minister of Labour but of the Prime Minister. In that case, is it not out of order for such a Question to be directed to the Minister of Labour?

Mr. Speaker

I should not like to give a definition as to what advice Her Majesty should take on a matter of that sort. I think we are getting into rather deep waters if we go as far as that.