HC Deb 01 March 1898 vol 54 c297
Mr. J. G. WEIR (ROSS and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain why the report of the Postmaster General for the year 1896–7 was not issued until long after the House rose for the Autumn Recess; and will efforts be made to issue the report for the current financial year during the present Session of Parliament, in accordance with the practice of former years?

MR. HANBURY

The issue of the annual report on the Post Office was delayed last year by a number of exceptional circumstances, but it is hoped that this year's report will be published before the close of the present Session. As the hon. Member is aware, the report comes down to the 31st of March in each year, and some time must necessarily elapse after that date before the accounts can be got in with sufficient approach to completion for the purpose of the report.

MR. WEIR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report last year was not issued until two months after it was laid on the Table of the House?

MR. HANBURY

It was only laid on the Table in dummy, I presume.