§ MR. WOODS (Essex, Walthamstow)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if the announcement recently made in the 207 official document known as Registered No. 234, 768/99, is to be taken as a concession of the official recognition of Postal Trade Unions, and if so, will the Postmaster General enlarge, if necessary, such instructions on the subject which he may issue so as to provide for the reception of properly elected trade union representatives without qualification as is customary with private employers
§ MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General is not aware of the precise meaning which is intended to be attached to the expression "official recognition." The Postmaster General is at all times ready to consider any representations made, whether collectively or individually, by persons in the employment of the Department, and it is not necessary for any person in order to obtain a hearing to associate himself either formally or informally with others. All classes of Post Office servants have full liberty to form themselves into associations for any legitimate purpose, and any representations from such bodies will be duly considered if conveyed through the usual official channels, provided that all those by whom or on whose behalf the representations are made are in the service of the Department, and that the questions raised are such as directly affect the whole body represented. The Postmaster General does not consider it necessary to issue any special instructions on the subject, nor to enlarge the statement contained in the official communication referred to by the hon. Member.