§ 16. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Postmaster-General what steps have been taken by the B.B.C. to carry out the requirements of Clause 8 of its Charter.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe Corporation has informed the Minister of Labour and National Service and myself that within the terms of Clause 8 of its Charter it has recognised the B.B.C. Staff Association as a negotiating body. The Corporation has received representations from the T.U.C. for similar recognition of a number of trade unions. A meeting between the Corporation, the T.U.C. and the Unions directly concerned has taken place and the Corporation expects further meetings.
§ Mr. DaviesIs not my right hon. Friend aware that it is now 18 months since the Charter came into effect, that these representations were made shortly after the Charter came into effect, and that speed is called for in this matter, in as much as 2191 a large section of the B.B.C. staff are not members of the Staff Association, and do not wish to be members of it, but are members of the legitimate trade unions, and wish to have their unions recognised for collective bargaining and other purposes?
§ Mr. PalingI have said that the matter is being considered and is still proceeding.