HC Deb 15 December 1981 vol 15 cc84-5W
40. Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received regarding his proposals for legislation on the closed shop since his statement to the House on Monday 23 November.

Mr. Waddington

We have so far received 18 representations on our specific proposals for legislation on the closed shop, but it would be premature to draw any general conclusions from these. We have asked for comments to be submitted by the end of the year.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by whom the widespread public concern about the closed shops, referred to in his White Paper containing proposals for industrial relations legislation, has been expressed to him; and in what circumstances.

Mr. Waddington

The reference in the document containing the Government's proposals for industrial relations legislation towidespread public concern about the closed shop is based on concern expressed by numerous individuals and oganisations in response to the Green Paper on Trade Union Immunities, Cmnd. 8128, which was published earlier this year. Similar concern has been and continues to be expressed to my Department by many correspondents as a result of recent dismissals of non-union employees by the Sandwell and Walsall borough councils.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from or on behalf of management expressing concern about the operation of the closed shop rules.

Mr. Waddington

Since taking office the Government have received numerous representations from employers and employers associations, including the CBI, expressing concern about the operation of closed shops, principally in response to their Green Paper on "Trade Union Immunities", Cmnd. 8128. The overwhelming majority of these have called for greater legislative safeguards in relation to the operation of such agreements.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many employees have applied for compensation alleging that they have been unreasonably excluded from or expelled by trade unions in closed shop situations; how many and what percentage of such applications have succeeded; and what compensation has been paid to such successful applicants;

(2) how many applicants have applied for compensation for unfair dismissal in a closed shop situation or for trade union membership or activities, respectively; how many and what percentage of such applications have been successful; and what compensation has been paid to such successful applicants;

(3) how many applications for interim relief have been made by employees dismissed due to trade union membership or activities requiring the employer to observe the employee's contract of employment until the full hearing of the dismissal complaint, during each period of 12 months since such interim relief became available;

(4) in how many cases in which it has been alleged that an employer has dismissed a non-union employee as a result of pressure from a trade union the union has been joined as a party to the industrial tribunal proceedings, as provided for by the Employment Act 1980; and what was the result of such cases.

Mr. Waddington

I regret that the comprehensive information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained now at disproportionate cost. I shall write to the hon. and learned Member as and when further information becomes available, which should be in the new year.