HC Deb 14 December 1970 vol 808 cc945-6
39. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office that companies contributing to the funds of any political party shall be excluded from Post Office contracts.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir.

Mr. Jenkins

Would not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter? Is it right and proper that there should be any suggestion that companies which have contributed to Conservative Party funds are the same companies which are in receipt of Post Office contracts of a considerable size now that that party is in power?

Mr. Chataway

I would not think of discriminating against any company which had the good sense to contribute to the Conservative Party, nor would I think of discriminating against any union which contributed to the Labour Party.

Mr. Fidler

Has my right hon. Friend received any representations from the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Hugh Jenkins) suggesting that Post Office contracts be withdrawn from those workers in the industry who are subject to the same restriction; that is to say, that of contributing to the funds of a political party?

Mr. Chataway

No. I think it would be wrong to discriminate in that way, too.