HC Deb 10 April 1967 vol 744 cc731-2
40. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps, before the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions, to minimise the use of threats to increase union membership.

Mr. Hattersley

No, Sir.

Mr. Bell

Since threats and duress are now being used on a wider scale and in the most oppressive manner, particularly by one union, D.A.T.A., does the Minister not think that it is incumbent upon his right hon. Friend to introduce a Bill to deal with this matter now, or else to make sure that I am given leave later today to introduce mine?

Mr. Hattersley

I think it is incumbent upon my right hon. Friend to adjudge the issue from the objective evidence of the Royal Commission rather than to be swayed by the emotional statements of the hon. and learned Member and one of his right hon. Friends.

Mr. William Hamilton

Has my hon. Friend had any specific representations on this matter from the hon. and learned Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. Ronald Bell), or is this just in the nature of a generalised slur against the trade unions?

Mr. Hattersley

It has been a feature of allegations of this sort that substantiation has been in very short supply.

Mr. R. Carr

While seeing the point of the Minister's statement that he cannot consider legislation in advance of the Royal Commission, may I ask him whether he would not at least give the authority of his Department, which has always been forthcoming in the past, in condemning the use of threats, wherever they arise, from whatever union, in trying to enforce a closed shop?

Mr. Hattersley

I think the right hon. Gentleman's request for the condemnation of threats is so general that it can obviously be upheld. But, having said that, it does not mean that I endorse the views of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Paget

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us are pretty sick of the complaints of people who are more than willing to take advantage of the bargains made by a trade union but are unwilling to pay the expenses? Will he see that union organisation is not impeded?

Mr. Mawby

Can the hon. Gentleman confirm that it is possible nowadays for an employer to make it a condition of employment that the employee must agree to have his union contributions deducted from his salary?

Mr. Hattersley

That could well be a condition of employment but it is not a matter for my Ministry. It is something that individual employers must decide and something about which no comment should be made until the Royal Commission has deliberated about these matters and produced a report.