HC Deb 12 March 1981 vol 1000 cc403-4W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any evidence from local authorities that building contracting firms who do not operate the closed shop are being threatened that unless they undertake to operate the closed shop their names will be withdrawn from those authorities' approved tender lists.

Mr. King

Evidence has been received that one local authority has asked building contractors to certify that all their employees are members of the appropriate trade unions, as a condition for inclusion in the council's tendering lists. The Government strongly deplore such discrimination, and the matter is being actively investigated.