§ 12. Mr. HANNONasked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken into further consideration the application of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks for full official recognition; whether he is aware that the federation has over 200 branches throughout the country, one half of which have been granted local recognition having 40 per cent. membership of the organised staff; and whether he will now grant recognition to the federation?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, a large number of branches of one of the constituent guilds of the federation—the Guild of Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists—have qualified for local recognition by attaining the 40 per cent. standard, but neither this guild nor the federation itself is yet qualified nationally. One of the other 976 constituent guilds—the Guild of Postal Sorters—has a membership of about 50 per cent. of the sorters employed in London, and has held for some years full local and national recognition.
§ Mr. AMMONDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that the question of full recognition is under discussion?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI think the hon. Member's question refers to national recognition as distinct from local recognition.
§ Mr. AMMONI am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether he means that the question of national recognition is now under consideration?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe question, either national or local, is under consideration continually.
§ Mr. AMMONDoes it mean that no fresh circumstances have arisen quite recently which require renewed consideration?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo, Sir, not that I am aware of.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree there is full official recognition given under the Trade Unions Bill to this blackleg organization?