HC Deb 24 March 1981 vol 1 cc789-90
1. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department and the Department of Education and Science have completed their consideration of the application by the Trades Union Congress for support for trade unions' education and training in 1981–82.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. David Waddington)

Our consideration has nearly been concluded, and my right hon. Friend hopes to write to the TUC shortly.

Mr. Lewis

If my hon. and learned Friend cannot give me the figures for next year, will he give me the correct figure for 1980–81, which I understand was over £1 million? The TUC distributes the money downwards to various affiliated unions, including the WEA. Is my hon. and learned Friend satisfied that State support is not going to unions which are acting militantly against the State—for example, the Civil Service unions? Would not it be proper for my hon. and learned Friend to consider this year's distribution in that light?

Mr. Waddington

A total of £1.67 million was involved in 1980–81. I can assure my hon. Friend that the money is used for the education and training of shop stewards and workplace representatives. Proper training in that area is of great importance in industrial relations. Her Majesty's inspectorate has the opportunity to examine the way in which the money is spent. To the best of our knowledge, it is being spent properly and to the benefit of unions and managements.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

How much money has been spent in educating the various Soviet knights, such as Sir Anthony Blunt and Sir Roger Hollis, who seem to have received good educations and been given good knighthoods? How much money do they get?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman's supplementary question does not arise from the main question.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

It does.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Morris——

Mr. Arthur Lewis

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I will take the hon. Gentleman's point of order at the end of Question Time as I wish to give other hon. Members the opportunity to participate in questions.