HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc1109-10
58. Mr. Houghton

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what stage has been reached in the discussions in the Civil Service National Whitley Council concerning the Masterman Report on Civil Rights in the Civil Service; and what steps he is taking to bring these negotiations to an agreed conclusion.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I understand that these discussions are nearing completion.

Mr. Houghton

In view of the hon. Gentleman's keen personal interest in this matter when he sat on these benches, will he do his best to bring these discussions both to an early and to a satisfactory conclusion?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I share the hon. Member's desire that the conclusion should be both early and satisfactory. I am bound to remind him, however, that they continued for two and a half years under the late Administration. They have continued only for four weeks under our Administration.