HC Deb 27 June 1951 vol 489 cc1352-3
17. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has now been made by the Committee set up by him to advise him on the question of recognition of staff associations in the Post Office; and when this body will receive oral evidence from the associations concerned.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question on 19th June by my hon. Friend, the Member for Durham (Mr. Grey).

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although he announced the setting up of this Committee four and a half months ago it has not yet begun to hear oral evidence, and is he further aware that an officer of his Department recently informed one of the applicants that it was extremely difficult to get the Committee together at all?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am surprised that the hon. Member is again so ill-informed. The Committee has already had one sitting, at which it heard a number of people orally. I understand that three other associations have been invited to tender evidence and that the dates have been fixed. I should have thought that this Committee had been making very good progress indeed.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Postmaster-General now saying that dates have been fixed in reply to all applications for the hearing of oral evidence, and is he aware that one member of the Committee has announced that he is now going abroad for some months?

Mr. Ness Edwards

What I have said is that three of the associations have already given oral evidence, contrary to the view expressed by the hon. Member. Three others have been invited to give oral evidence on two dates that have been fixed. As to the rest of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I have no information.

Mr. Leather

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the position is particularly acute in the motor transport branch where skilled workers are leaving, and will he see that the position of the Guild of Motor Engineers is given special attention?

Mr. Ness Edwards

A date has been fixed for them, too, to give oral evidence.