HC Deb 25 February 1980 vol 979 cc413-4W
Mr.Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment which European Economic Community member States operate closed shop agreements.

Mr. Mayhew

I understand that, apart from the United Kingdom, closed shops operate in some areas of industry in Belgium, France, the Republic of Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands, although they are unlawful in most Community member countries with the exception in certain circumstances of the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.

Mr.Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report those countries in which a closed shop is legal.

Mr. Mayhew

My Department does not collect comprehensive information on industrial relations law in other countries, and little information is readily available in respect of countries outside the European Economic Community. Closed shop arrangements are unlawful in most Community member countries, with the exception in certain circumstances of the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.