New clause 5 - Provision of money for trade union modernisation

Part of Employment Relations Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:00 pm on 26 February 2004.

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Photo of Eleanor Laing Eleanor Laing Conservative, Epping Forest 4:00, 26 February 2004

Thank you, Mr. Forth.

I have taken up a lot of the Committee's time and I have deliberately given way many times because it is a vital matter that needs to be probed. The Minister will undoubtedly answer those questions when he sums up.

The new clause as drafted is almost cheeky in its transparency and the way in which it will facilitate the giving of taxpayers' money to a political organisation, be it the Labour party or any other. It is outrageous. It would be reasonable of the Minister to take the new clause away, amend it and print in the Bill the assurance that he has given us verbally.