74. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies it would be illegal, according to existing laws and regulations, for registered trade unions to affiliate to a political party.
Mr. Creech JonesFrom a survey of the permanent trade unions legislation of the Colonies I am unable to find any provisions making it illegal for registered trade unions to affiliate to a political party, but a Registrar of Trade Unions is obliged to refuse registration if it appears that one of the principal objects of the trade union is the support of a political party. In Hong Kong, except with the consent of the Governor in Council, trade unions are prohibited from affiliating to any organisation outside the Colony in such a manner as to place themselves under the control of that organisation. In a few Colonies there are provisions prohibiting or restricting the employment of trade union funds for political purposes.