§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Postmaster-General when the last wage increases for engineering grades in his Department took effect; and on what basis these awards were made.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe last increases took effect from 1st August, 1946. They were based on an agreement with the Post Office Engineering Union relating to a reorganisation of the work of Post Office engineering workmen.
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§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Postmaster-General on what date formal discussions took place between representatives of his Department and officials of the Post Office Engineering Union; and what assurance was given to the union officials on this date.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI presume my hon. Friend has in mind a discussion that took place on 26th April, 1948, when the union was informed that its claim for increased pay for certain staff would be considered as quickly as possible in the light of the White Paper (Cmd. 7321) on Personal Incomes, Costs and Prices. I may add that I recently received a deputation from the union for a personal discussion on this matter.