§ 26. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether the pledge given on behalf of the Government by the Postmaster-General on 9th June, 1921, that any surplus on the working of the Post Office will go in reduction of postal charges still holds good?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe considered views of the Government on this subject were explicitly stated by the Postmaster-General in reply to a question on 24th May last, and referred to again by him on 9th June in the course of the Debate. The Government is prepared to stand by the statement made on 24th May, but the whole matter of Post Office costs is at present being investigated by the Committee on National Expenditure, and it would be proper to await their Report before making any specific decisions. I might add, of course, that for the current year there is a deficit, not a surplus on the Post Office.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my right hon. Friend give me an assurance that the promise of the. Postmaster-General, on behalf of the British Government, in this House, on 9th June last, that any surplus on the working of the Post Office would be devoted to the reduction of charges, will be observed?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think I have already fully answered that. If my hon. and learned Friend will read my answer, he will see that it is complete.