§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether policemen are entitled to form a combination for their mutual benefit and redress of grievances connected with their work and wages; and whether they are at liberty to hold meetings without complying with regulations similar to those imposed upon the Post Office employés?
§ MR. MATTHEWSIf the police have any grievances or causes of complaint the Police Rules direct that such grievances can at any time be laid before the Commissioner through the superintendents of the divisions. I apprehend that combinations of the kind referred to would be irregular. Meetings, according to the rules, can only be held by the permission of the Commissioner. These Police Rules are quite independent of any regulations which may be made by any other Department of the State.
§ MR. C. GRAHAMAm I to understand policemen are not at liberty to form 1363 a trades union, or to attend a public meeting to discuss their grievances?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI cannot add anything to the answer I have already given.
§ MR. C. GRAHAMI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the statement appearing in some of the newspapers is correct, that in future men entering the Postal Service will be required to give a written undertaking not to join the Postmen's Union or attend any Union meetings; and, if so, by whose authority has it been issued?
§ MR. RAIKESNo, Sir; the statement is not correct.