§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many secret ballots have taken place under section 1 of the Employment Act 1980 since the Act received Royal Assent; and what has been the total cost to his Department of payments in respect of secret ballots.
§ Mr. WaddingtonA scheme under section 1 of the Employment Act 1980 to provide for payments towards expenditure incurred by independent trade unions in respect of secret postal ballots, was introduced on 1 October 1980. The certification officer, who is responsible for its administration, informs me that so far six trade unions have made applications under the scheme. No payments have yet been made, although three of the applications are still under consideration.