HC Deb 18 June 1952 vol 502 c1172
3. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what action is being taken on the Terrington Report.

10. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will now make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the recognition of staff associations within the Post Office.

Mr. Gammans

I hope to make a statement at a very early date.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Why is the hon. Gentleman not able to keep the promise he made a week or two ago that he would make an announcement today? What is holding up a decision in this matter? Is he finding it difficult to abandon some of the arguments he was advancing so strenuously a few months ago on the subject of trade union recognition in the Post Office?

Mr. Gammans

No. The explanation is not nearly so romantic as that.

Mr. Macpherson

Is my hon. Friend aware that he did say he was going to make an announcement this week? While appreciating the difficulties involved, may I ask him if there is any change in that intention?

Mr. Gammans

I was hoping to be able to make a statement today, but for a variety of reasons, of which one is that a statement on another subject is being made today, I am unable to do so.