Union of Post Office Workers

HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc1015-6

4. Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will seek a meeting with the Union of Post Office Workers.

Mr. Chataway

I see no current reason to do so.

Mr. Price

In view of what the hon. Member for South Worcestershire (Sir G. Nabarro) said—[Interruption.]—I thought that that might bring him back into the Chamber—is the Minister not aware that the Post Office has even more leakages than the Department of Trade and Industry? Has he discussed with the Union of Post Office Workers some of these leaked proposals by the Post Office to cripple its postal services?

Mr. Chataway

I have not had discussions with the U.P.W. about changes in postal services, but so far as I am aware, there has been no leak from the Post Office—although the Chairman of the Post Office Board has discussed, and in public, some of the possibilities which are open to the Post Office.

Mr. Charles Morris

Irrespective of his reply, the Minister will undoubtedly be having meetings with the Union of Post Office Workers in future. In such meetings, will he place high on the agenda the perceptive editorial in yesterday's Daily Mail about the need for improved management-staff relationships and morale of Post Office staff within the Post Office generally?

Mr. Chataway

I should certainly be willing to discuss with the U.P.W. any matters which fall within my responsibility. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the particular matter to which he refers is primarily for the management of the Post Office.