Mr. O'Connell:

In any case, what I would like to say in reply is that I will discuss this matter with the Postmaster General before making any kind of commitment with regard to a referral to a standing committee of this House.

Mr. O'Connell:

Yes, indeed, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. O'Connell:

Mr. Speaker, I am sure there is no divergence of view between the Postmaster General and myself. Second, it would be important to ascertain whether the incidents which are alleged to have taken place took place before or after the statute was passed in this House.

Mr. O'Connell:

No, Mr. Speaker, I did not say that. I said that the two parties have returned to the negotiating table and I hope they will be able to resolve this dispute.

Mr. O'Connell:

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will be very pleased to do that.

On the question of comparability, it is the government, or all of us on this side who are seeking to convince public service unions that they ought to accept the principle of comparability. We brought forward a bill which stated the policy of the government in legislative form to implement the principle of

January 25, 1979

Oral Questions

comparability. It is not us who are dragging our feet; it is the unions which do not want to enter into comparability. It sits strange with me that the hon. member would suggest that that is the principle which is at stake.