CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION OF TRADE UNIONS OR FEDERATIONS OF TRADE UNIONS

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Labour the reason or reasons for the cancellation of the registration of trade unions or federations of trade unions effected between June and December, 1959, and since January, 1961.

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim: Mr Speaker, Sir, the certificates of registration of trade unions were cancelled for one or more of the following reasons for the period June/December, 1959 and since January, 1961:-

(i) That the trade union has ceased to exist:

(ii) In the interests of the workmen in the industry, trade or occupation with which the trade union was connected:

(ii) For wilful contravention after notice from the Registrar of the provisions of the Trade Unions Ordinance:

(iv) The likelihood of a trade union being used against the interests of workmen in the industry, trade or occupation with which the trade union was connected;

(v) That the constitution of the trade union or its executive was unlawful; and

(vi) That the trade union was being used for purposes inconsistent with its registered objects and rules.

In answer to (2) , no certificate of registration of any federation of trade unions was cancelled in the period June/December 1959 and since January 1961.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I wonder whether the Minister could clarify a certain matter which has been confusing not only me but all the Assemblymen I have so far approached and asked whether they could understand.

The A.U.P.E. is recorded in the Report of the Labour Department (Paper Cmd. No. 11 of 1961) as having had their certificate withdrawn in 1959. The reason given was at the request of the trade union upon its amalgamation with other trade unions. If I am not mistaken, it was registered in 1959 and it is still -

Mr Speaker: Order. That seems to be quite a different question. I think the hon. Member should give notice of that question.