§ 24 and 25. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is now able to make a statement as to the result of his consideration of the rules he proposes to apply to the recognition of staff associations;
§ (2) whether, in view of the fact that the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association has for six months included in its membership more than 40 per cent. of the organised workers in the relevant grades, he proposes to grant recognition to this association.
§ 26. Mr. A. R. W. Lowasked the Postmaster-General whether he will now make a further statement about official recognition of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am reviewing the general question of recognition of staff associations in the Post Office. I propose to make an early statement in the House on this matter, and on the particular case of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would not wish to press the right hon. Gentleman if that statement is really to be an early one, but is he aware that the organisation mentioned in Question No. 25 has, according to the admission of his predecessor, nearly six months ago, sufficient numbers to entitle it to recognition? Is the right hon. Gentleman therefore aware that to postpone this matter much longer will amount to a very serious injustice?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI want to do what is right and fair; it is a very grave matter for all parties concerned. I give an assurance to the House that I will make a very early statement.
§ Mr. LowOn 31st December last, had the Association mentioned in Questions Nos. 25 and 26 sufficient numbers to qualify for recognition under the old rules?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI should not like to be pressed on this matter at this stage. I only want to say that this matter has been hanging about, if I may use the phrase, for more than 10 years, therefore, I ought not to be pressed.