§ 3. Mr. Bob Dunnasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the responses he has so far received following the publication of the Green Paper on trade union immunities indicate that the set period of consultation is adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ 13. Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has now received in reply to the Green Paper on trade union immunities.
§ Mr. PriorSo far we have received representations on the Green Paper from over 80 organisations and individuals. The consultative period ends on 30 June, and we are still awaiting comments from many of the major organisations in industry. I am satisfied that the period of nearly six months set aside for consultations is adequate and that most of those who wish to comment will be able to do so in the time allowed.
§ Mr. DunnWill my right hon. Friend undertake to do two things? First, will he reassure the House that the period of consultation is genuine? Secondly, before reaching a decision about the advisability of further legislation, will he take into account the strong feeling that undoubtedly exists about the closed shop?
§ Mr. PriorThe answer to both my hon. Friend's questions is "Yes, Sir". I am particularly aware of the second matter.
§ Mr. RentonTo what extent have the representations already received covered the apparent misuse of trade union funds, notably political funds used to buy swollen numbers of votes at Labour Party conferences, and general funds used to finance the building of the new Labour Party headquarters? Does my right hon. Friend believe that ordinary trade unionists would benefit from a more open, public and quick audit of trade union accounts?
§ Mr. PriorThese matters are not strictly relevant to the subject of the Green Paper. They are more relevant to the activities of the certification officer, as set out in the 1974 Act introduced by the Labour Government. I suggest that individual trade unionists should make certain that the funds of their trade unions are used for the proper purpose, and act accordingly.
§ Mr. DixonDoes the right Gentleman realise that last year, although 29 million days were lost through strike action, 674 million days were lost through unemployment? Is it not time that he started doing the job for which he is paid, and created employment instead of trying to curb the unions?
§ Mr. PriorThere is no question of trying to blame working people alone for the problems facing the Government and the country. We all have to fight together for higher and better employment. Better industrial relations could do more to improve the position of this country than almost any other single factor.
§ Mr. MadelAs some major organisations are involved in intensive discussions with trade unions on manning levels and training, may not more time be necessary for consultation to get the right result in the end?
§ Mr. PriorIt is vital to get the right result in the end, and that is why we published a consultative Green Paper. From that will come valuable suggestions which will either be taken up in the form of legislation, or will need further work.
§ Mr. SkinnerWill the Secretary of State consider the question of the legally enforced immunity of the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton), who ordered dining rooms A and C for the semi-National Front Democratic Association yesterday in the House, and then had his name blanked out on the circular? Will the right hon. Gentleman examine that, too?
§ Mr. RentonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerWill the hon. Gentleman leave it till after Question Time?
§ Mr. RentonIt is relevant, Sir.
§ Mr. SpeakerVery well.
§ Mr. RentonThank you, Sir. May I raise on a point or order the fact that obviously the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) does not know and has not sought to know that I did not book any dining rooms in the House of Commons yesterday, and that, when to sponsor——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I think that makes the position clear.