§ 23. Mr. G. Cooperasked the Postmaster-General if he has anything further to report on the negotiations between the trades unions and the management of the British Broadcasting Corporation with regard to the claim of the unions for full recognition and to act in any negotiations over wages and conditions affecting members of the unions who are employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI have nothing to add to my reply of 3rd May on this subject.
§ Mr. CooperIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Actors Equity Association have made representations to the B.B.C. with a view to a joint standing committee being set up for the purpose of dealing with difficulties that may arise between its own members and the B.B.C.? Can he say why similar representation cannot be made by the T.U.C. and trade unions with members in the B.B.C., and will he use his powers to make representations at the B.B.C. to see that a joint standing committee is set up to negotiate with all unions?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI should be reluctant to accept the position of adviser to the B.B.C.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsAs this Question involves detailed administration of the B.B.C. should it not have been properly addressed to the Minister of Labour?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a matter for me. A long and rather complicated supplementary question was put, and I should like to remind the House that what I like are short and snappy supplementary questions.