Validity and Effect of Orders

Part of Clause 39 – in the House of Commons at 11:45 pm on 9 April 1984.

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Photo of Mr Kenneth Baker Mr Kenneth Baker , Mole Valley 11:45, 9 April 1984

The hon. Gentleman knows the arguments that I set out during the past 10 minutes.

This group of amendments changes significantly the trade union law relating to telecommunications activities. It eliminates the criminality of deliberate interception, which has worried the Opposition Members and some Conservative Members, but it introduces, in the circumstances I described, a liability to damages should an enforcement order be wilfully broken as a result of trade union action.

I strongly commend the amendments to the House. They represent a significant package which improves the enforcement arrangements in the Bill. I stress again the fact that the amendments ensure that trade unions will enjoy the right to strike, but at the same time they provide protection to individuals who depend on telecommunications and who may be damaged by the deliberate actions of telecommunications operators or their employees.