asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the West Ham Board of Guardians and the Walthamstow Urban District Council in making membership of a trade union a condition of employment; and whether he can state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. GREENWOOD:

The action of these authorities to which reference is made appears to be within their legal powers, and my right hon. Friend does not see that he can usefully intervene in the matter.

Will the Minister consider the introduction of legislation to prevent this gross form of oppression?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some local authorities have passed resolutions to the contrary effect and will never employ a trade unionist at all?