HC Deb 02 June 1981 vol 5 cc320-1W
24. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the provisions of the Employment Act 1980 relating to the closed shop.

Mr. Waddington

The closed shop provisions of the Employment Act 1980 and the code of practice on closed shop agreements and arrangements have only been in effect since 15 August and 17 December 1980 respectively. When representative bodies in industry have commented upon the Green Paper on trade union immunities Cmnd. 8128 we will be in a better position to assess the overall impact of these measures.

47. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to prevent the extension of the closed shop without reference to the opinions of employers concerned through restrictive clauses inserted into invitations to tender.

Mr. Waddington

The Government deplore the practice of compelling non-union employees to become trade union members by restricting invitations to tender to firms employing union labour only. This is one of the areas for possible further legislation discussed in the Green Paper on trade union immunities. Consultations on the Green Paper are due to end on 30 June and I hope that everyone with direct experience of these practices will let me have his views.