§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Loyden), Official Report, 8th November, column 466, it is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage the formation of trade unions to represent the Armed Forces of the Crown; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyThere has been no change of Government policy in this context. Under present arrangements individual Service personnel are permitted to become members of outside trade unions at any time during their career, subject to the proviso that their union activities must not conflict with the requirements 85W of military discipline. In addition, tradesmen who are nearing the end of their military service are encouraged to join an appropriate craft union in order to help them on their return to civilian life. As I said in the House on 8th November, I can see no objection in principle to the Armed Forces seeking some form of representation if they were so minded, though I am not aware of any internal pressures in this respect. If such a proposal were put forward it would involve many complex issues which would require very careful consideration.