TRADE UNION FUNDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18965, 17 March 1924, Page 5

TRADE UNION FUNDS

APPLICATION TO POLITICAL PUBPOSES. DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. (Reuter). Received March 16, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, March 15. The House of Commons, by 211 to 129 vdtes, rejected the second reading of the Trade Union Act"l9l3 Amendment Bill, providing that when a trade union carries a resolution in favour of political action, members desiring to contribute to the support of political objects shall indicate their desire in writing, and shall not, as heretofore, be automatically included as supporters unless they contract ont. In moving the second reading Captain Ainsworth (Conservative) said the object of the Bill was to prevent tfade unions insisting on members paying contributions for political purposes, wherein they did not believe. He asserted that members at present seeking to contract out were intimidated. He referred to wealthy Cabinet members, whose wealth in many cases was derived from trade union funds. Mr Tom Smith moved the rejection of the BilL He declared the reason for the Bill was that the Conservatives were anxious in regard to progress of the Labour Party. He denied the allegation of victimisation. If trade unionists’ political activities were hampered they would be compelled to rely more on strikes.