§ Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the National Federation of Postal 833W and Telegraph Clerks was founded by employés of his Department who were forced to leave the Union of Post Office Workers because that organisation had identified itself with the advocacy of Sovietism and revolution; whether the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks is refused by him official recognition whilst the Union of Post Office Workers is granted official recognition; and whether, in the best interests of the country, this position will be reversed and the trade union which is loyal to the constitution granted official recognition?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks does not at present represent a majority of the members of any class of Post Office servants; and under these circumstances I see no reason for transferring to them the official recognition which has for some years been enjoyed by the Union of Post Office Workers. But I have authorised the acceptance of local representations from branches of the federation at certain offices in London.