§ 1. Mr. Marlowasked the Paymaster General how many unions have received public money for trade union ballots.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am informed by the certification officer that 27 trade unions have received public money for secret ballots under the provisions of section 1 of the Employment Act 1980.
§ 21. Mr. Haywardasked the Paymaster General how many unions have now brought their election practices into line with the Trade Union Act 1984.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkePress reports indicate that 19 trade unions have decided to change their electoral practices in order to comply with the 1984 Act. Others are considering changes. For some unions no changes will be necessary.
Unions which do not afford their members the democratic rights required by the Act leave themselves open to challenge by any member through the certification officer or the courts.
§ 23. Mr. William Powellasked the Paymaster General how many pre-strike ballots have taken place under the provisions of the Trade Union Act 1984.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Department is aware of 115 pre-strike ballots believed to comply with the provisions of the Trade Union Act 1984, but there will have been other ballots which the Department does not know about.