§ 10. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the dispute between the London and Manchester Assurance Company and the Guild of Insurance Officials; and whether he will take steps to bring the parties together for negotiation?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have been informed by the company that the great majority 577 of their staff are represented by a staff association and that the company have every reason to believe that the scale of salaries granted at the request of the staff association leaves no ground for complaint. The directors, therefore, do not see that any useful purpose could be served by negotiating with the Guild of Insurance Officials.
§ Mr. MorrisonWould the right hon. Gentleman take this matter a little further, apart from relying upon the statements of the company that their employés are satisfied? Would he not use all his efforts to bring the parties together?
§ Mr. BrownIf the hon. Member will let me send him a copy of the letter which the company have sent me, perhaps he will not pursue the matter further.
§ Mr. PetherickIs the Minister aware that among the staff association concerned there is considerable indignation at the attempt to undermine its authority and to interfere with the right of negotiation between the association and the company, and is he aware that there is no dispute between the management of this company and the staff association?
§ Mr. LansburyIf the organisation represents only a minority and is gradually building up its strength, is that any reason why the company should refuse the right of the men to organise?