HC Deb 29 July 1953 vol 518 cc1277-8
13. Mr. Wade

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to announce the result of his consideration of outstanding claims for recognition by Post Office associations.

21. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to announce the decision of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the recognition of the Electrical Officers (Telecommunications) Association.

41. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will now make a statement concerning the recognition of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications Association).

42. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is now able to make a further statement with regard to the recognition of the Engineering Officers Telecommunications Association.

43. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding breakaway unions in his Department.

Mr. Gammans

My noble Friend hopes it will be possible for a statement to be made tomorrow to this House and in another place.

Mr. Wade

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, and, if so, when, there will be an opportunity for asking Questions on this subject in this House?

Mr. Gammans

I am making a statement tomorrow.

Mr. Marlowe

Is my hon. Friend aware there are some ugly rumours going round about this matter and that many of us on this side of the House will be very disturbed if recognition is not given to the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association. If we do not give recognition of this kind we may force a man to join a union not of his choice, and that is a policy which is extremely hostile to the policy of this party.

Mr. Gammans

I think that before we get too warmed up on this subject we had better wait until tomorrow.

Mr. J. Johnson

Can the Minister say, as this was a matter of urgency some two years ago, why it has taken so long for the Government to make up their minds on this matter?

Mr. Gammans

Because we have tried to see whether there cannot be some conciliation in the matter, which primarily concerns the unions themselves.