§ 21. Mr. Randallasked the Postmaster-General what interim pay reviews were made by agreement between the Post Office and the Union of Post Office Workers in 1957 in advance of pay research surveys.
§ Mr. BevinsOne such review, covering overseas telegraph operators, telegraphists, telephonists and motor mail drivers was made in May, 1957.
§ Mr. RandallWould not the Postmaster-General agree that there is no objection in principle to interim settlements? Does not he appreciate that in the present situation there may well be grounds for exploring the possibility of bringing the two sides together? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that much work and long negotiations follow the report of the pay research unit survey of which he is speaking? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has already had notice of the delay in relation to pay research units and, in the circumstances, cannot he visualise the possibility of an interim settlement?
§ Mr. BevinsI appreciate the point raised by the hon. Gentleman. I think he will agree that the 1957 case is entirely different from the present case. Here we have an instance where the grade affected by this dispute received a 4 per cent. increase in pay on 1st January, 1961. If it be the case that these grades have fallen behind in their 876 pay, information to that effect will be indicated in the reports of the pay research unit which are about to be received by the union and by the Post Office. I have repeatedly said that once that information is available I shall be prepared to negotiate.