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Trade Unions (Women Member- Ship).

Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 13 February 1924.

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Photo of Captain Malcolm Bullock Captain Malcolm Bullock , Waterloo

7.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there are any trade unions who refuse to admit women to full membership; and whether, in that case, he will give their names and the reasons actuating them in such a policy?

Photo of Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy , Kingston upon Hull Central

Before this question is answered, Mr. Speaker, may I draw your attention to the last part of it, and ask whether it is in order to interrogate the Government upon matters for which the Minister is not responsible?

Photo of Mr John Whitley Mr John Whitley , Halifax

That is a, matter which is not under the control of the Minister, and I anticipate that that is what the Minister will say.

Photo of Mr William Pringle Mr William Pringle , Penistone

Are not questions repeatedly disallowed by you, Mr. Speaker, asking for information for which the Minister is not responsible, and as to which he cannot reply?

Photo of Mr John Whitley Mr John Whitley , Halifax

Had the last words of the question caught my eye, I should have struck them out.

Photo of Mr Thomas Shaw Mr Thomas Shaw , Preston

There is a large number of trade unions with no female members. Whether this is due to a refusal to admit women members or to other considerations I cannot say, nor am I in a position to state the reasons actuating trade unions in their policy.

Photo of Mr Ben Turner Mr Ben Turner , Batley and Morley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of trade unions welcome women as members?

Viscountess ASTOR:

Is the Minister aware that a great many trade unions do not admit women to membership?

Photo of Mr John Whitley Mr John Whitley , Halifax

Ministers do not control the trade unions.

Photo of Mr James Sexton Mr James Sexton , St Helens

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the hon. and gallant Member who put this question is one of those who introduced legislation to cripple trade unions?

Minister

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Speaker

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