HC Deb 29 March 1950 vol 473 cc381-3
26. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has now received the consent of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association to disclose material furnished by them to him with reference to the mem- bership figures of that association; what percentage that membership represents of the total organised workers in the appropriate grade; and how long that figure has been in excess of 40 per cent.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association have agreed to my disclosing that they claim to have in membership over 40 per cent. of the total number of the grade concerned. This claim was first notified to the Post Office on 8th October, 1949.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the slight vocal emphasis upon the word "claim" which the right hon. Gentleman used, is he aware that his predecessor said on 2nd November last that he did not dispute those figures?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I believe that my predecessor admitted that a claim had been made, but I am not aware that he admitted that it had been substantiated. In fact, there is a great doubt about that.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he looked at HANSARD he would find there the words: … I am not disputing their figures—"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd November, 1949; Vol. 469, c. 390.]

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what processes he goes through to substantiate or otherwise verify this claim?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I do not think I ought to be pressed to make a further statement about a matter which is to be the subject of a further statement in the House. I would ask hon. Members to leave the matter until I make that statement on the general position.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Minister aware that this question does not relate to the general issue but to the facts with respect to a certain association? Can he explain why he is so anxious that these figures should not be given to the House?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am not anxious that the figure should not be given to the House. The House should have all the information that is available. I have sought authority to give these figures, authority which I did not have before. As far as I understand the position, while my predecessor did not dispute these figures neither did he confirm them, and I am not in a position to confirm them today.