Trade unions and the labour party since 1945

'IT is surprising', said Mr David Butler, pacing his room in Nuffield College on that autumnal day in 1954. 'It is surprising how little has been written about the political work of the unions. Such was the beginning not only of the present volume, but of my numerous debts to those who have contributed to it in one way or another. My principal debt of gratitude is to the Warden and Fellows of Nuffield College, Oxford, for making it possible for this book to be written and for encouragement in the writing of it.

I wish also to thank the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, without whose cooperation the chapters on trade union political finance and the political levy could not have been attempted. In his Search Room, that engaging backwater in North Audley Street, his friendly and helpful staff provided me with desk space, supplied me with files, and sustained me with countless cups of Civil Service tea.

It would be invidious to single out all those who have helped within the trade union and Labour movement. They include members of more than sixty unions, and national, regional and local representatives of the Labour Party. One general secre tary, it is true, would not even say whether any members of the union had been candidates at the 1955 election, declaring "This is a confidential matter, reserved to members of the Executive Council'. But this was exceptional. Though some unions were nursing painful memories of certain previous research workers, most of my informants were surprisingly communicative, and gave generously of their time and specialized knowledge.