RAILWAY COMPANIES (COLLECTIVE BARGAINING)

HC Deb 19 October 1944 vol 403 cc2509-10

6. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour if he has now received from the parties concerned their representations concerning the recognition by the railway companies of collective bargaining for certain grades of their employees.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir.

Mr. Mander

Did not the trade union send in their representations as far back as July?

Mr. Bevin

It is not quite so simple as that. I understand that there is a little dispute as to what was actually agreed to, and I am seeing the parties at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Mander

Are the railway companies going back on the pledge they then gave?

Mr. Bevin

There is no suggestion of anybody going back, but sometimes two people, even in this House, say things to one another, and afterwards differ as to what they have said.