§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action is being taken to investigate complaints from union members about alleged breaches of political fund rules in 1980.
§ Mr. WaddingtonOf the 20 complaints made to the Certification Officer during 1980, 11 have been resolved, 4 are to be dealt with shortly at a formal hearing, and inquiries are continuing in the other 5 cases.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken to ensure the widespread availability of the leaflet entitled"Funds for Trade Union Ballots".
§ Mr. WaddingtonMy Department has so far distributed some 190,000 copies of its leaflet entitled"Union Secret Ballots" which explains the scheme. It is available throughout the country from my Department's offices, from MSC jobcentres and the regional offices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. The separate leaflet entitled"Funds for Trade Union Ballots", prepared by the Certification Officer, who is responsible for the administration of the scheme, explains the scheme for those seeking refunds under it. Copies are therefore available only from his office.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action is being taken to ensure that the Certification Office receives the financial returns from the 15 trade unions in 1978 and the 39 trade unions in 1979 which have failed to submit them.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe Certification Officer, who is responsible for administering the statutory provisions which relate to union returns and accounts, is an independent public official not subject to directions from Ministers as to how he carries out his functions. His annual reports contain a chapter indicating the action his office has taken in this general area, but I am informed that if the hon. Member wishes more detailed information the Certification Officer will be glad to supply this to him.