§ 28. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made by the body appointed by him to advise him on the subject of claims for recognition by staff associations in the Post Office; how many meetings have been held; and when he expects its report.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI understand that the Committee is now receiving and considering evidence from the parties concerned. I am unable to say when the Committee will report.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the gentlemen referred to in the answer of 15th February have taken part in the proceedings?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI think there is a further Question on the Order Paper on that matter.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWith great respect, Mr. Speaker, I asked if they had taken part in the proceedings. There is no Question about that.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThey have not. Sir.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say who has not taken part?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIf the hon. Gentleman waits until he hears the answer to a further Question on the Order Paper I am sure that he will be quite satisfied.
§ 33. Mr. Harry Wallaceasked the Postmaster-General what changes have been made in the personnel of the committee appointed to inquire into recognition of Post Office staff associations.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThere have been two changes in the Committee: Sir Maurice Holmes (Chairman) and the hon. Baronet the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) have been succeeded by Lord Terrington (Chairman) and Sir John Smith Boyd.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say when this change took place and whether the two new members of the Committee have yet taken part in any of the sittings?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe two new members of the Committee have not yet taken part in the sittings. The Committee are endeavouring to arrange a meeting convenient for all members. The change of chairman took place last week and I think it is about three or four weeks ago that the other change took place.