HC Deb 01 March 1957 vol 565 cc1635-6

Order for Second Reading read.

3.55 p.m.

Mr. Ian Mikardo (Reading)

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

It is a short and simple Bill. Its subject matter has often been before the House, and I do not think I need now detain the House by describing its purpose, especially after the indulgence which the House showed me when it gave me leave to introduce it.

3.56 p.m.

Mr. Dudley Williams (Exeter)

First, Mr. Speaker, I wish to raise a point of order. The Motion has not been seconded yet. Is it right that I should speak until it has been?

Mr. Speaker

It is not necessary for an Order of the Day to be seconded. It has become customary in dealing with Private Members' Bills for two Members to sponsor a Bill, but, strictly, necessity for that does not exist.

Mr. Williams

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I was not quite sure about it.

There have been many Bills of this nature and discussions along these lines initiated in this House, and I think that most of us who have been in the House of Commons for a few years are fairly familiar with the ideas which lie behind any Measure of this nature. I take the view that it is not the function of Parliament to do everything it can to restrict the activities of the people of this country.

I think it is far more important that if there are to be Bills to restrict the association of people, or such organisations as trade unions, they should not be introduced as Private Members' Bills. If one wishes to bring in legislation of this nature one should at least see that some political party supports it. It is right that it should be put in one's election address when one takes part in a General Election. If one is then returned, having been elected with that as part of one's programme, and as belonging to a party which supports the programme, then, nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the Government to introduce the Bill, a Bill of this nature restricting free association and the conditions under which people may associate with any organisation, including trade unions.

We are all aware of the fact that there is in existence an association which caters for a supervisory class of employees. It gives them certain benefits, a form of insurance benefit and so on, which are confined to people of their grade. One of the conditions of being a member of this association is that the member should not belong to any other trade union.

Mr. Mikardo

Any trade union.

Mr. Williams

Any trade union at all. However, I maintain that this association is a trade union although it is not affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.

Mr. Mikardo

It is not so registered.

Mr. Williams

If the hon. Member wants me to give way I will readily do so.

I think it is quite wrong that this sort of Measure should be introduced as a Private Member's Bill. It is an important piece of legislation to say that someone can get the benefits of belonging to this society but only provided he does not enter into another—

It being Four o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Friday next.