§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many trades unions have held ballots, as provided for under section 3 of the Employment Act 1982, to confirm or otherwise the continuance of closed shops in places of employment where they represent employees.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many ballots on the continuance of closed shop arrangements have been held since 1982; and with what results
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThere is no requirement in the Employment Act 1982 to notify this Department of any secret ballots which are held to determine whether closed shops have the support of the employees they cover. Of those ballots reported in the press, the results of three, covering a total of 2,731 employees, have been against continuance of the closed shop, and two, covering a total of 446 employees, in favour.