§ Mr. Lathamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will list the occasions and dates since 21 May 1980 when he or any of his departmental colleagues have met the official representatives of the Trades Union Congress at a formal meeting to discuss policy issues, excluding meetings with departmental unions about Whitley conditions; and whether there has been any occasion when he has refused to meet a Trades Union Congress deputation after the congress has officially requested one.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweOn no occasion have I or other Treasury Ministers refused a formal request for a meeting with official representatives of the TUC.
I meet official TUC representatives regularly at the monthly meeting of the National Economic Development Council. I and other Treasury Ministers have also held or attended formal meetings with TUC representatives on the following occasions since 21 May 1980:
Chancellor and Chief Secretary
- 24 February 1981 meeting with TUC economic committee.
Financial Secretary
- 1 June 1981 meeting with TUC economic committee.