§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment, in the light of the certification officer's ruling on the Douglas Reeves case, if he is satisfied that the Trade Union Act 1913 still adequately safeguards the rights of employees with regard to the political levy; and whether he considers that the increasing use by 623W employers of the computerised check off system of processing wages and salaries now requires new legislation to safeguard those rights.
§ Mr. MayhewI am satisfied that the provisions of the Act as to political fund rules, together with the power of the certification officer to make an enforceable order for remedying a breach of any rule on a complaint by a union member, are such as to continue to safeguard the rights of the individuals. The Government have no present plans to amend the Act but will of course consider any representations that may be made, whether in the light of problems occasioned by the use of computer systems or otherwise.