HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 cc2187-8
14. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Postmaster-General why 22 members of the National Association of Women Civil Servants employed by the Post Office were granted special leave to attend their delegate conference in view of the fact that they are not a recognised association as such.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The National Association of Women Civil Servants, is not wholly unrecognised in the Post Office. The extent of its recognition has recently been much reduced and I propose to review the facilities allowed to its members in the light of the outcome of discussions now in progress on the National Whitley Council.

18. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give an assurance that he will grant recognition to the National Association of Postal and Telegraph Officers as soon as they have recruited sufficient members.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

If and when the National Association of Postal and Telegraph Officers can show that it has in membership 40 per cent. of the organised Postal and Telegraph Officers in the Post Office, I shall consider the question of recognising it.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Could the Minister, therefore, assure the House, without discussing the merits of trade unions, that he is not attempting to set up or obtain a monopoly of any sort in this situation?

Mr. Paling

I have indicated to the hon. Member more than once that we have a well-recognised course of conduct in this business, and that 40 per cent. is the percentage generally recognised.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that, despite the insistent political pressure placed upon him, it is not his intention to give an assurance of the kind which may tend to encourage the leaders of minority cecessionist movements in the Post Office to try to promote disunity amongst the workers, thus jeopardising the good relationships between the Post Office and the trade unions which are recognised already?

Mr. Langford-Holt

Bearing in mind the unanimity of the Transport and General Workers' Union, will the right hon. Gentleman now give an answer to the question I put a few moments ago?