§ 22. Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bank Officers' Guild, representing the majority of the employés in the English banks, have approached the British Bankers' Association for the formation of a national Whitley Council and that this request has been refused; and whether, in view of the fact that it is the policy of the Government not to ignore representative associations of employés and also to promote the establishment of Whitley Councils, he will use his good offices with the British Bankers' Association in the setting up of a national Whitley Council for the banking profession?
§ 24. Mr. SEXTONasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of consulting the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to the possibility of a financial crisis arising in the event of the clerks employed in the various banks throughout the country withdrawing their services; and whether, in view of the unrest that exists among the employés in the banking profession, he can take any action to secure the setting up of a national Whitley Council?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe position in respect of the establishment of a Whitley Council for the banking profession has been laid before me, both by the Bank Officers' Guild and by the Bankers' Clearing House, so far as England and Wales is concerned. Until agreement, which does not at present exist, has been established between the two sides, it is difficult for the Ministry to take further steps in the direction of setting up such a Council. My hon. Friends may, however, rest assured that the matter is receiving my close attention, and that if it appears that any action can suitably be taken by me which will assist, I shall avail myself of the opportunity. Also, I will certainly consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens, should the need arise.
§ 23. Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the present crisis, he will consider the advisability of instituting a public inquiry into conditions of employment and rates of salary in the banking profession in Great Britain?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs at present advised, I do not think I should institute such an inquiry.
§ Mr. GRAHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, up to this point, the banks have absolutely refused either to recognise the Association of Clerks or to reply to the question of a Whitley Council, and does he not agree that, in view of the crisis pending, it is important to give a lead in a matter of that kind?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAPerhaps my hon Friend will read the answer I gave to Questions 22 and 24 on the question of the establishment of a Whitley Council. Beyond that, I should like them to settle their affairs themselves.