HC Deb 03 December 1979 vol 975 cc21-2W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the arrangements for opting out of the political levy.

Mr. Mayhew

The Trade Union Act 1913, as amended, provides for the right

was made available and the titles of the projects funded.

Mr. Mayhew

The following table gives the overall gross expenditure on research and development and how much of the total was spent on external research and development in the financial years 1974–75 to 1978–79:

to opt out, and the independent certification officer is empowered under the Act to hear complaints that this right has been infringed. The certification officer's annual reports and his decisions on recent complaints do not indicate the need for immediate action on the part of the Government. The Government have no plans to amend the Act, but will, of course, consider any representations made to them on the subject.