HC Deb 19 October 1982 vol 29 cc215-6
6. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what comments he has so far received on his Green Paper relating to employment legislation.

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

We hope to issue a consultative document within the next month or so. We have already received many comments from organisations and individuals urging the Government to legislate for proper democratic procedures to be observed within trade unions.

Sir William van Straubenzee

Whatever reservations may exist about the use of compulsory ballots in certain matters of industrial disputes, does my hon. and learned Friend understand that there is widespread support, I suspect on both sides of industry, especially with immediate events in mind, for compulsory ballots for the election of trade union officials? Is he aware that a proposal for such ballots would be widely supported if introduced in the next Session?

Mr. Waddington

I am sure that my hon. Friend is right. The need for drastic improvement in the conduct of their affairs by trade unions is obvious when one considers what happened on the day of action. The Department has received 50 separate complaints of threats of disciplinary action against people who were not minded to indulge in unlawful action. There is something wrong with the leadership of a union if this sort of persecution can take place. Clearly, there are some very nasty people in positions of authority.

Mr. Winnick

On the Government Front Bench.

Mr. Skinner

Would it not ring more true if this Conservative Government, who keep talking about the need for ballots in trade unions, started with a ballot for the chairmanship of the Tory Party? Why not have an election for that position instead of its being based on patronage? What about the whole of the Government—100 Ministers all picked by the Prime Minister? Why not have a ballot for those positions?

Mr. Waddington

We are concerned with getting more democracy within trade unions. There is a call for greater democracy when important decisions are made about the future of individuals. That is what we are talking about.

Mr. Lawrence

My hon. and learned Friend has deplored the intimidation through the closed shop which has manifested itself during the Health Service strike. Does he propose to make any changes to the code of practice that is about to come before Parliament to strengthen that aspect of the closed shop so that there can be an end to that abuse?

Mr. Waddington

This is a matter that we are now considering with great care.