asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the members of the Sub-Postmasters' Union are deeply disappointed because of his refusal to grant their claim for arbitration machinery similar to that provided for other post office grades; and, if he will reconsider his previous decision and accede to this reasonable request of the Union.

I am aware that disappointment has been expressed by the Sub-Postmasters' Union from time to time because they have not arbitration machinery. When replying to the debate on my Department's Estimate on 24 May last, I made a full statement of the reasons why provision of arbitration machinery for sub-postmasters is considered inappropriate and nothing has since occurred to alter my views on this question.