§ 31. Mr. MANDERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the National Joint Industrial Council of the cooperage industry represents approximately 90 per cent. of the trade, apart from the Scottish herring industry, and includes representatives from Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Burton-on-Trent, Bristol, Hull, Aberdeen, Stockport, and Birmingham, and that there are seven active district councils; and whether, in these circumstances, he is now prepared to recognise the national rate of 1s. 5d. per hour fixed by the council and to discontinue giving contracts to firms who are paying only 1s. an hour?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)The particulars quoted in the earlier part of this question are, I believe, substantially correct. I am not in a position, for reasons which I have already explained at some length, to give a general undertaking of the kind suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not accepted by the Post Office that this is a thoroughly representative body?
§ Sir E. BENNETTI have nothing to add to my answer.