§ 21. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions he has had with trade union leaders regarding the political levy; and if he will make a statement.
§ 23. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his recent talks with leaders of the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. Tom KingI met members of the employment policy and organisation committee of the TUC on 19 October to discuss the operation of the political levy. I made clear the Government's concern that trade union members should be able freely to decide whether or not to pay the levy. I invited the TUC to bring forward proposals for steps which the trade unions might themselves take to guarantee a fair, unfettered, effective and informed right of choice.