HC Deb 06 February 1981 vol 998 c236W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Certification Officer has received from trades unions, in the latest year for which figures are available, accounts which have had a qualified audit; and if so, if he will list their names in the Official Report.

Mr. Waddington

I am informed by the certification officer that detailed information covering unions of all sizes is not readily available, and that it would be difficult to give precise figures because it may not be clear in a particular case whether an auditor's comment is meant as a qualification or merely as an observation on the accounting practices of the union concerned.

However, in his annual report for 1979 (covering trade union accounts for the calendar year 1978) the certification officer stated that of 30 unions with a membership of at least 100,000, 11 appeared to be complying with the accounting and auditing requirements of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 and in the case of the other 19 there were one or more grounds for doubt as to their compliance. I understand that more up-to-date information will be given in the annual report for 1980, which is due to be published in May.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether there are any trades unions that have not yet submitted to the certification officer their audited accounts and returns for the financial years 1978–79 and 1979–80.

Mr. Waddington

The Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 provides that annual returns must be submitted by every trade union before 1 June in each year and cover the year ending with the preceding 31 December. I am informed by the certification office that returns have still to be received from 15 trade unions for 1978 and from 38 trade unions for 1979.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if the certification officer is satisfied that trades unions are keeping proper accounting records, that their accounts are properly audited and that they are submitting their annual returns on time.

Mr. Waddington

In his annual report for 1979 the certification officer said that substantial progress had been made in establishing the extent of non-compliance with the accounting and auditing requirements of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974, especially among the major unions, and in ensuring that a start was made on introducing the necessary changes. I understand that further progress will be recorded in his report for 1980 which is due to be published in May.