§ 68. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation next Session to relax the present legal requirements governing trade union amalgamations, in order to assist the Trades Union Congress in its current endeavours to improve and modernise the structure of the trade union movement; and if he will make a statement on his recent discussion on this matter with representatives of the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. HareI received a deputation from the Trades Union Congress on this subject on 17th July.
The deputation said that the present requirements governing amalgamations, transfers of engagements and changes of name were out of date. They suggested that the law should be changed so that trade unions could amalgamate or transfer their engagements if a majority of the members of the unions concerned 12W voted in favour. They suggested certain other provisions to safeguard the interests of the members.
I have frequently emphasised the importance I attach to the present endeavours of the T.U.C. to improve and modernise the structure of the trade union movement. A review of the legislation relating to trade union mergers would, I believe, make some contribution to these developments. I therefore, welcome the T.U.C.'s approach and I shall give sympathetic consideration to their suggestions, which I am how examining in detail.
As the hon. Gentleman will understand I cannot forecast future legislation.