§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Trades Union Congress regarding the closed shop; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsMy right hon. Friend regularly meets representatives of the Trades Union Congress to discuss a wide range of employment issues. He has not, however, been involved in any recent meetings with them to discuss the closed shop.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what further proposals he has to outlaw the closed shop.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Employment Bill published on 21 December 1989 makes it unlawful to refuse to employ a person because he is or is not a trade union member and provides that any person refused employment for such a reason may complain to an industrial tribunal. This measure, together with the protections afforded by the Employment Act 1988, will make all forms of the closed shop unenforceable in law.