Trades Union Congress

HC Deb 08 July 1981 vol 8 cc132-3W

Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will list occasions and dates since 31 March 1980 when he or any of his departmental colleagues have met official representatives of the Trades Union Congress at a formal meeting to discuss policy issues, excluding meetings with departmental unions about Whitley conditions; and whether there has been any occasion when he has refused to meet a Trades Union Congress deputation after the congress has officially requested one.

Mr. Prior

Since taking office I have never refused to meet a Trades Union Congress deputation after a meeting has been officially requested. Since 31 March 1980 I and my junior Ministers have met official TUC representatives at formal meetings in my Department on the following dates:

• 25 September 1980
• 12 November 1980
• 2 February 1981 with Mr. Morrison

This list does not include occasions when I or my colleagues have met representatives of the TUC in their capacity as members of other organisations such as the Manpower Services Commission or the National Economic Development Council, or other non-departmental meetings.