§ 23. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Postmaster-General whether he intends to invite the Union of Post Office Workers to meet him at an early date in order to explore the possibilities of resolving the present dispute around the conference table.
§ Mr. BevinsI am ready to meet the union at any time, provided it is on a basis that offers some acceptable prospect of resolving the dispute, and that I am not expected to negotiate while the work-to-rule continues. Unfortunately, the response I have had from the union to my suggestions so far has not satisfied these conditions.
§ Mr. WilliamsIt seems rather strange that anyone should say in this House that there is anything wrong with working to rules which the Post Office itself has laid down. Apart altogether from that, is it not strange that the Postmaster-General does not take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to him to try to break this deadlock and impasse and try to get together round the table with him men and women who have shown the utmost good will for many years, of which he is fully cognisant? Is it not about time that he himself went some way to meet these people? Is it not the fact that the Union of Post Office Workers, in particular, has already informed the right hon. Gentleman that if he is prepared to have free negotiations and discussions with the union it can lift the working to rule, if that is desired, within 24 hours?
§ Mr. BevinsIn reply to the first part of that question, I think the hon. Member ought to ask himself what the purpose of the work-to-rule campaign is. 879 In regard to the second part of the question, I assure him and the whole House that I am constantly seeking means by which normal relations can be restored between the union and the Post Office, but so far I have not had a very helpful response from the union. I have not by any means abandoned hope, but what I cannot do is to negotiate while work to rule continues, or on the basis of conditions imposed upon me.
§ Mr. WilliamsMay I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman, in the interests of a great service, that he should invite the executive council and officers of the union to meet him to see if they can find ways and means by which they can enter discussions? I have already told him my interpretation of what they have told him. Will he now try to take the initiative for the first time in this matter?
§ Mr. BevinsI have on several occasions taken the initiative, but frankly, I do not think that exchanges at Question Time—especially at this point in time—are helpful to the resolution of this dispute.