Oral Answers to Questions — Trade Disputes Act.

– in the House of Commons at on 26 April 1923.

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Photo of Captain Denis Shipwright Captain Denis Shipwright , Penryn and Falmouth

50.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the action recently taken by the National Union of Foundry Workers, he intends to consider legislation with a view to repealing the Trade Disputes Act?

Photo of Sir Gerald Hurst Sir Gerald Hurst , Manchester Moss Side

51.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the judgment of Mr. Justice Coleridge, delivered on the 23rd April, in the action Blackall v. the National Union of Foundry Workers; whether he is aware that the Majority of trade unionists resent the abuse by the union in question of the powers vested in it, and that such abuses are common among trade unions; and whether he will consider the desirability of repealing the Trades Disputes Act, 1906, and of otherwise amending the present law relating to trade unions?

Photo of Mr Stanley Baldwin Mr Stanley Baldwin , Bewdley

My attention has been drawn to the judgment referred to, the implications of which will receive consideration.

Photo of Mr James Sexton Mr James Sexton , St Helens

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the colossal ignorance of the hon. Member who put the question is—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Photo of Mr John Whitley Mr John Whitley , Halifax

That expression is not in accordance with the hon. Member's own usual courtesy.

Photo of Mr James Sexton Mr James Sexton , St Helens

I submit to your ruling, but I understood that it is quite a Parliamentary expression. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] If my expression is un-Parliamentary, I unreservedly withdraw it. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this union is not responsible in any way as a governing body for this action of a branch, and that this action was taken against the directions and wish of the executive body of the union?

Photo of Captain Denis Shipwright Captain Denis Shipwright , Penryn and Falmouth

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the country against that Section of the Act which legalises interference with men in their right to work?

Photo of Mr James Sexton Mr James Sexton , St Helens

I know nothing whatever about it.

Photo of Mr Wilfred Paling Mr Wilfred Paling , Doncaster

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a member of the legal profession has also been dealt with in exactly similar circumstances in this manner by his union?

Prime Minister

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majority

The term "majority" is used in two ways in Parliament. Firstly a Government cannot operate effectively unless it can command a majority in the House of Commons - a majority means winning more than 50% of the votes in a division. Should a Government fail to hold the confidence of the House, it has to hold a General Election. Secondly the term can also be used in an election, where it refers to the margin which the candidate with the most votes has over the candidate coming second. To win a seat a candidate need only have a majority of 1.