HC Deb 15 December 1954 vol 535 cc147-9W
80. Mr. McKay

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that in no case relating to an increase in wages made by the Post Office Engineering Union since 1948 has a settlement been made by the Post Office authorities and the claims have had to be sent to the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal; and what proportion of the tribunal's award resulted in higher rates than the offers made by the Post Office to the engineers' union prior to arbitration proceedings.

Mr. Gammans

This is not so. Since 1948, two major pay claims made by the Post Office Engineering Union, as well as a number of minor claims, have been settled without reference to the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal. In particular, there has been an agreement with the Union within the last few weeks estimated to cost the Post Office £1,700,000 a year. In three other major cases where a claim was taken to the Tribunal, the award exceeded the offer, but was substantially lower than the amount claimed. I will send the hon. Member a table illustrating the position in the leading cases under review.

81. Mr. McKay

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware of the discontent within the Post Office Engineering Union, because of the difficulty in making any progress regarding claims for 3,000 of its members made in July, 1953, and the claim made in January, 1954, for a revision of the general standards of its 50,000 members; and if he will consider arranging for an independent inquiry into these matters.

Mr. Gammans

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my noble Friend in another place on Wednesday, 1st December. I will send him a copy of it.

82. Mr. McKay

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Post Office Engineering Union, in connection with claims for an improvement in their members relative economic standards, is prepared to consider favourably any necessary changes to increase productivity; and if he will consider the matter and notify the union of his proposals as soon as possible.

Mr. Gammans

The Union wishes to establish a connection between wages and productivity. The principles by which Civil Service wages are determined are at present under review by the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, to whom the Union has put its views. Until the Royal Commission has reported, that matter restssub judice, but I need hardly say that my noble Friend is ready at any time to examine constructive proposals designed to increase productivity.