§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to prohibit trade unions from compelling their members to make donations to outside organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerIt is unlawful for trade unions to impose special levies unless there is authority under their rules to do so. Whether the imposition of such levies is always in accordance with the wishes of union members must be a matter for doubt. The Trade Union Bill now before Parliament will ensure that trade union governing bodies are directly accountable to their members. The Government believe that this approach is preferable to imposing detailed restrictions on trade unions' decision making processes.