§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what grants for education have been made to the trade unions from public funds in the current financial year; what is the increase over previous years; how education is defined in this context; and what conditions are placed on their disbursement.
§ Mr. Harold Walker:A grant of £650,000 has been made available jointly by the Department of Employment and 881W the Department of Education and Science to the TUC towards the cost of trade union education and training in the current financial year. This figure is some £250,000 above that for 1976–77—the first year in which a grant was made—representing an increase of £150,000 together with an additional £100,000 in respect of a new category of expenditure.
The amount so far paid in 1977–78 is £83,324.
The grant is payable in respect of expenditure incurred by the TUC itself for the payment of course fees, the preparation and development of course material and the training of tutors; and by affiliated independent trade unions, for the provision of residential and short training courses.
The courses provide instruction in (a) the principles of trade unionism and (b) activities concerning the rôle of trade union members and trade union representatives in industrial relations, including negotiations and consultations; in health, safety and welfare; in the work of unions related to such activities; in the work of statutory bodies.
The grant does not cover expenditure incurred in connection with the function of full-time trade union officers and officials.
The agreement and conditions for the payment of grant are as defined in a memorandum of arrangements. The memorandum provides that the TUC shall provide audited receipts and payments accounts showing how the grant has been expended. Accounts and records of expenditure eligible for grant are available for inspection by Government auditors. The arrangements are kept under review by members of Her Majesty's inspectorate who visit and inspect as appropriate.