HC Deb 17 November 1920 vol 134 c1897
Sir W. DAVISON

(by Private Notice) asked the Postmaster-General whether it is a fact that a ballot is being taken among some 80,000 postal workers as to whether or not they should form themselves into a striking union, and should establish a strike fund, and what steps he proposes to take in the national interest to prevent such a flagrant breach of discipline on the part of Government servants as would appear to be contemplated?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

I understand that it is a fact that the Union of Post Office Workers have ballotted their members on the question of the adoption of a strike, policy. I do not consider that any action on my part is called for in this connection. The Government has recently made a pronouncement on the subject of its attitude towards a strike on the part of civil servants, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the reasons which made the Government prohibit a striking union on the part of the police also apply with equal force with regard to the postal telegraph service, and is he aware that recently, when the Council of Direct Action was established, papers were discovered showing that the postal telegraph service was to act as the intelligence department of the Council of Direct Action with a view to holding up the Government?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I think the hon. Member will find the Government's pronouncement quite satisfactory.

Mr. CLYNES

Does that mean that some Government decision has been reached in regard to the right to strike, without this House having any chance of discussing the matter?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

No new decision.