§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how her Department ensures that the trade union training and education financed by joint grants from her Department and the Department of Employment are free of party political bias and propaganda; and what instructions are given to Her Majesty's Inspectorate in this regard.
§ Mr. OakesThe arrangements and conditions for payment of grant are specified in an agreed memorandum. That limits grant aid to activities providing instruction in the principles of trade unionism and concerning the rôle of trade union members and trade union representatives in industrial relations, including negotiations and consultations; in health, safety and welfare; in the work of union branches and union organisations related to such activities; and in the work of statutory bodies. Expenditure in connection with the function of full-time trade union officers and officials is expressly excluded. The TUC is required to certify that the expenditure on which grant is claimed has been incurred in accordance with those terms. Its accounts and records are available for inspection by the internal audit divisions of the grant aiding Departments. Her Majesty's Inspectorate assesses standards and developments in educational provision and reports to and advises the Secretary of State.