To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to how many trade union ballots have been held under the Employment Act 1982; and what percentage were in favour, and what against.

The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service is aware of 124 closed shop ballots which have taken place, the majority of which have been held since the requirements of the Employment Act 1982 came into force. Seventy-eight per cent. of the ballots were in favour of the agreement, 18 per cent. were not in favour and in 4 per cent. of the ballots the results are unknown.