§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about the post-entry closed shop agreement for college and polytechnic lecturers in Leeds; and what consideration he has given to them.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend and other Ministers have received 12 letters. Whilst we deplore the hasty introduction of this closed shop, clearly designed to escape the introduction of certain provisions of the Employment Act 1980, it is essentially a matter for agreement between the employing authority and the teachers' unions it consults, and the Government have no statutory power to intervene. However, all closed shop agreements should take account of the protection provided for individuals in the Employment Act. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment has issued for consultation a draft code of practice on the closed shop which contains extensive 695W guidance on the conduct and review of closed shop agreements. The code will be presented to Parliament for approval later this year.