HC Deb 07 March 1932 vol 262 cc1469-70
38. Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in offices where the membership of the Guild of Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists is not less than 40 per cent. of the local organised sorting clerk and telegraphist staff, he will be prepared to accord recognition to the guild?

Sir K. WOOD

The guild represents only a small fraction of the grade concerned, and in the-se circumstances I regret that I am unable to accord it recognition.

Duchess of ATHOLL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this association was formed with the desire to have in the Civil Service an association as free as possible from politics? Does he not think that that is a desire which should be encouraged? I would further ask him whether there was any recognition given when the number reached 40 per cent. in the ease of an association to which this association was formerly affiliated, and from which it has only recently seceded for the reason that I have given?

Sir K. WOOD

I have endeavoured, since I have been appointed, to receive deputations from unions which are not associated with political bodies, but in this particular case they are such a small fraction of the employés concerned that I really did not think it would serve any useful purpose at the present stage to receive it. I am anxious as far as possible to give recognition to all unions which represent the staff of the Post Office.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that this guild is not by any means an inconsiderable fraction of the Service, and have not representations been repeatedly made to previous Governments asking for consideration of this request, and have not successive Postmasters-General promised that the matter will be considered?

Sir K. WOOD

I have examined the replies made before. I shall be glad to show my hon. Friend such information as I have as to the numbers in this union. I cannot regard them as sufficient, at any rate at the moment.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that, if he gave this union recognition, its numbers would be increased enormously?