HC Deb 22 March 1950 vol 472 cc1943-4
18. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the result of his consideration of the rules governing recognition of staff associations by his Department.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Consideration of the question of recognition of new staff associations in the Post Office involves problems of general policy which I am still examining. I can assure the hon. Member that I shall make my promised statement to the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As the right hon. Gentleman assured the House a week ago that the statement would be made very shortly, and in view of the fact that he was not then further pressed to grant recognition to associations which, under the old rules, have had a claim outstanding for some months, can he now assure the House that the statement will be made, at the latest, next week?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am sorry I cannot give that assurance, but I hope to be in a position to answer within a fortnight.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in this country it is not customary to change the rules in the middle of the game without the consent of both sides?

Mr. Ness Edwards

There is no intention of changing any rules.

19. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Postmaster-General what percentage of the organised workers in the appropriate grade are members of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association; and how long that figure has been in excess of 40 per cent.

Mr. Ness Edwards

It would be wrong to provide information which would disclose staff association membership figures given to the Department in confidence.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement indicates a change of policy from that of his predecessor who, on 2nd November last, confirmed that this Association had the requisite 40 per cent.? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what has caused the change of policy?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The figures given by my predecessor were figures which had been published by the Association. In this case the figures have not been published, and I have no authority to give to the House figures given to us in confidence.