HC Deb 17 May 1950 vol 475 cc1199-200
17. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General why no agreement has yet been reached between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the trade unions on the subject of trade union recognition; and what steps are now being taken to expedite a settlement of the matter on which the Trades Union Congress first approached the Corporation on 13th June, 1947.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am informed that, after careful consideration of the T.U.C. proposals, the Board of Governors of the B.B.C. remains of the opinion that the B.B.C. Staff Association is the appropriate organisation for purposes of negotiation with the staff and that this form of representation is in line with the recommendations of the Ullswater Committee of 1935. I am not aware of any current negotiations, but I am informed that the Corporation has represented its views to the Beveridge Committee.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this so-called Staff Association represents less than 50 per cent. of the employees of the B.B.C? Is he further aware that, by their obstinate refusal to follow the recognised practice of every reputable employer in this country, the B.B.C. are showing themselves completely out of tune with the long-established practice in such matters as this?

Mr. Mikardo

Have not conditions changed sharply in the 15 years since the recommendation to which my right hon. Friend refers was made, and is it not altogether a bad thing that a public corporation, in respect of the recommendation of bona fide trade unions, should behave worse than the best private employers?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am in rather a difficulty in this matter. It has gone before the Beveridge Committee on the part of the B.B.C, in addition to which the T.U.C. have also made recommendations to the Committee. It would be quite inappropriate for me to make a statement at this stage.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

On a point of Order. So that this dubious aspect of B.B.C. administration shall be further considered, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment.