Section 1: Meaning of "trade union" in this Act

(1) In this Act-
"trade union" means any combination of workers or employers, whether temporary or permanent, the purpose of which is to regulate the terms and conditions of employment of workers, whether the combination in question would or would not, apart from this Act, be an unlawful combination by reason of any of its purposes being in restraint of trade, and whether its purposes do or do not include the provision of benefits for its members.
(2) The fact that a combination of workers or employers has purposes or powers other than the purpose of regulating the terms and conditions of employment of workers shall not prevent it from being registered under this Act; and accordingly, subject to the provisions of this Act as to the application of funds for political purposes, a trade union may apply its funds for any lawful purpose for the time being authorised by its rules, including in particular, if so authorised, that of providing benefits for its members.
(3) A trade union within the meaning of this Act shall not be treated as having been formed by reason only of-
(a) any agreement between an employer and persons employed by him as to the terms and conditions of that employment; or
(b) any agreement for the instruction of any person in a profession, trade or handicraft; or
(c) any agreement between partners as to their own business or any trading agreement between employers; or
(d) any agreement imposing restrictions in connection with the sale of the goodwill of a business.