HC Deb 20 May 1953 vol 515 c2053
18. Mr. McLeavy

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his noble Friend the Postmaster-General has yet taken a decision upon the claims of the Post Office breakaway unions for recognition; and if he will make a statement thereon.

Mr. Gammans

No, Sir, but he hopes to be able to do so shortly and to make a statement.

Mr. McLeavy

Can the Minister say how long we may have to wait for the report?

Mr. Gammans

I hope not long after the House has reassembled.

Mr. Ness Edwards

As the hon. Gentleman and his friends were adamant about this matter when they sat on this side of the House, will he make sure that before giving the decision of the Committee the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has been consulted?

Mr. Marlowe

On a point of order. I want to draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the use of the words "breakaway unions" in this Question. Surely this union is not entitled to be abused in a Question. This is a term of reprobation against the union, and I would submit that this union is entitled to ask for recognition without having terms of obloquy attached to it in this way.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Further to that point of order. Will you, Mr. Speaker, in arriving at your conclusion on this question, bear in mind that this term was used in a Motion which was put before the House by the Conservative Party when they were in opposition?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think the term "breakaway unions" implies anything bad. It merely denotes that members of a union are not content to remain members of that union.