§ 18. Mr. Wadeasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he has now concluded his consideration of claims for recognition by Post Office unions; what decisions have been reached; and what principles will be applied in considering any future claims which may arise.
§ Mr. GammansNo, Sir. The discussions between the unions concerned, begun as a result of my noble Friend's statement of 25th June last, are not yet all completed.
§ Mr. WadeCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when a decision will be made, having regard to the fact that approximately nine months have elapsed since the statement that the decision would be deferred for six months? Does the Minister not consider that in future it would be advantageous if there were certain guiding principles, such as those contained in the Listowel formula, which would assist the Minister in deciding these claims for recognition?
§ Mr. GammansI remind the hon. Member that this is primarily a difference of opinion between the unions. My noble Friend does not wish to intervene unless it is absolutely necessary that he should do so. Therefore, I cannot hold out any hope that an immediate decision will be given.
§ Sir R. GrimstonWould it not be in accordance with the attitude taken on this side of the House when we were in opposition that the outstanding claims should be recognised under the old procedure and that the board would then be clean for any future method to be considered?
§ Mr. GammansI know very well the feeling of my hon. Friend in this matter, but I hope that it will be possible to settle the matter amicably between the unions concerned.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWould not the Minister agree that it would be quite wrong for anybody, on either side of the House, to bedevil the negotiations that are now taking place?
§ Mr. GammansYes. I hope that the House will not press me any further on this. I hope that this matter, which is primarily a trade union matter, will be settled by the unions themselves.