§ 24. Mr. Deanasked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement on the pay negotiations relating to Post Office staff; and how they will be affected by the prices and incomes policy of Her Majesty's Government after 30th June, 1967.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNegotiations are now continuing on a number of pay claims. Any pay increase resulting from them will be implemented in the light of the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Standstill: Period of Severe Restraint.
§ Mr. DeanDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that he gave me a similar answer to a similar Question on 26th October last year? Is he aware that the claim of the Post Office engineers has been outstanding for long before the pay freeze came in? Can he assure the House that there will be speedy action on this matter?
§ Mr. ShortThe last answer I gave was similar, but I now say that negotiations are proceeding on these pay claims.
Mr. GilmourHave not Post Office employees resented the fact that the Government ignore the prices and incomes policy when they put up their own charges but abide by it when they negotiate with their employees?
§ Mr. ShortThe Post Office employees have given splendid support to the Government, and they are among the best and most public-spirited employees in the country.