Controversial Dismissal (Press, 27 November 1970)

On 26 November 1970, the British Post Office faced significant delays in mail delivery due to a series of lightning strikes by workers protesting the abrupt dismissal of Lord Hall, the chairman of the Post Office Corporation, by Minister of Posts and Communications, Mr Christopher Chataway. The reasons behind Lord Hall's dismissal were not provided, leading to a heated debate in Parliament where Opposition Labour Party MPs called for Mr Chataway's resignation. They accused the Minister of acting politically, given that Lord Hall had been appointed to his position by the previous Labour government at a salary of £17,250 per year. Lord Hall himself was vocal in his criticism, referring to the government's actions as a "monstrous rape of the Post Office Corporation." Despite his strong denunciation of the government's actions, he described Mr Chataway as "a remarkably nice chap," contrasting sharply with the scorn directed at the Minister during the parliamentary session. Labour MPs, led by party leader Mr Harold Wilson, pressed Mr Chataway for explanations, but he only stated that the dismissal was in the “best interests of the Post Office and the public,” leaving many questions unanswered. Labour officials interpreted the dismissal as an indication of the Conservative Government's impending attack on nationalised industries. They voiced concerns over potential plans to abolish the giro system, which serves as a state bank competing with private banks, and speculated about the sale of profitable sections of the Post Office to private entities. During the debates, Mr Ivor Richard, the Labour Party’s spokesman on the Post Office, expressed alarm over these developments. Following the dismissal, Lord Hall reported his bewilderment, noting that he could not ascertain the reasons for his firing. He emphasized that he had no personal issues that would warrant such a dismissal: he had attended sessions and been present, stating, "I still do not know why I have been fired." As news of his dismissal spread, it ignited widespread unrest among Post Office workers. The two main trade unions, representing about 400,000 workers, condemned the dismissal, leading to immediate sympathy strikes. Many post offices and telephone exchanges closed in London and across the country, causing severe disruption to mail sorting and delivery, with the West End particularly hard hit as numerous post offices shut down early. The situation highlighted growing tensions within the UK postal service and prompted fears regarding the government's direction with respect to public services.

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