HC Deb 20 October 1982 vol 29 cc367-8 3.35 pm
Mr. John Golding (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the collapse in morale of British Telecommunications caused by the Government's proposal for taking telecommunications out of the public service, and the press report that this is to be undertaken as a matter of urgency by the Government. Today sees the biggest strike ever in telecommunications. I know from the Post Office Engineering Union headquarters, where I am an assistant secretary, that the response to the POEU strike call has been overwhelming. [HON. MEMBERS: "Shame."] This is from an overwhelmingly moderate union and membership. I agree with Conservative Members when they say "Shame". It is a shame that a moderate union has to resort to asking its members to lose a day's pay so that its case may be heard.

In addition to the strike, mass demonstrations have been held throughout the country. This morning I marched with 6,000 members of the union through the City of London. Such demonstrations and strikes show the strength of feeling of the rank and file of the British Telecommunications workers.

Mr. Douglas Hogg (Grantham)

Rubbish.

Mr. Golding

The feelings stem partly from the release of a secret high-level document which reveals how the BT staff is to be slashed by 45,000 in four years to meet the Government's demands. The publicity that the union has received today from the Daily Star reveals that the jargon-laden memo from Mr. Tappenden, head of personnel, suggests some pretty devious, nasty, stab-in-the-back methods for getting rid of staff who are cruelly described as "beached whales". I speak for those so-called beached whales, and I agree with the Daily Star, which says: No wonder Telecom staff are in a turmoil. They are under siege from within and without their organisation. Ministers are attacking the unions on radio and with circulars. The staff of BT believe that the threat to the telephone service, and to their jobs, security and pensions, should be a matter of debate in the House, and not dealt with by Ministers' comments or by press releases.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman gave me notice before noon today that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the collapse in morale of British Telecommuniations caused by the Government's proposal for taking telecommunications out of the public service, and the press report that this is to be undertaken as a matter of urgency by the Government. I listened, as the House did, with concern to what the hon. Gentleman had to say. He drew our attention to a very serious matter. As the House has heard, he seeks an emergency debate. The House knows that under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision.

I listened anxiously and carefully to the hon. Member, but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provision of the Standing Order, and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.

Mr. Peter Bottomley (Woolwich, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The day of action in British Telecom was announced some time ago. There was enough time to organise a meeting at Central Hall. Will you consider, and if possible give your views on, the question of a Standing Order No. 9 application that is geared to coincide with a well-organised strike and demonstration? The only effect on morale that will arise will be among members of British Telecom staff who have been intimidated into not crossing picket lines, and who have written to me asking what assistance they will receive from their union or employer if they insist on working.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order for me.