HC Deb 06 November 1979 vol 973 cc211-3
11. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Trades Union Congress about changes in trade union legislation.

Mr. Mayhew

My right hon. Friend has had discussions with the TUC throughout the summer and autumn and he expects these to continue.

Mr. Price

Will my hon. and learned Friend ask my right hon. Friend, when he next meets the TUC, to point out politely that trade unions in this country enjoy privileges and immunities under the law that are experienced nowhere else in the world and have not been experienced in this country since Henry VIII abolished benefit of clergy? Under the protection of these immunities trade unions such as SLADE can carry out recruiting practices that are more akin to those of the modern mafia than to those of the medieval Church.

Mr. Mayhew

The report of Mr. Andrew Leggatt into recruiting practices, principally of the SLADE union, was published about a fortnight ago. The Government are satisfied that changes in the law must be made to remove immunity from actions which are described by Mr. Leggatt as being "akin to the protection racket". The Government believe that trade unions should have a privileged position, but the question is whether the immunities of today are greater than are necessary.

Mr. Winnick

Bearing in mind what happened the last time a Tory Government were in office, would it not be wise for the present Tory Government to lay off the trade unions and to recognise that they play a vital role in the defence of working-class people?

Mr. Mayhew

Since a large majority of trade union members consistently show themselves to be in support of the Government's policy on this matter, the hon. Gentleman's question was not appropriately phrased.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Will my hon. and learned Friend assure the House that the problem of the political levy will be raised with the TUC? Many employers and trade unions seem to be in a conspiracy of silence to keep the political levy from trade union members who have opted out under the law.

Mr. Mayhew

The administration of the 1913 Act, which controls the political levy and the use of a political fund by unions, is under the supervision of the certification officer. The Government wish to keep the operation of the Act under close supervision. It is capable of giving rise to much injustice.

Mr. Rooker

Will the Minister undertake to make available to the House all the working papers appertaining to the discussions with the TUC over the period of office of this Government? In that way they will not be covered by the 30-year rule, as such papers are at present.

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot think of a worse recipe for having frank discussions and consultations than to make all working papers immediately available for inspection. We are having, and hope to continue to have, useful and full discussions. I do not believe that that position would be likely to continue if everything was made available for immediate inspection.