§ 85. Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster-General if any members of his Post Office Advisory Committee have resigned during the past year; if so, what causes have been assigned; and how many business men and officials, respectively, are now upon the Committee?
§ 88. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General what is the total membership of the Post Office Advisory Committee; when it was formed; how often it meets; what members have resigned from it since its foundation; and why?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe Advisory Council was originally constituted in June, 1921, and has since been reappointed by myself and each of my predecessors. It at present comprises 16 members, and does not include any official. It has now fixed dates of meeting, but is summoned when required to consider specific questions upon which I desire its advice. Eight members at various times have declined reappointment, in most cases without giving reasons.
§ Mr. HURDIs it not a fact that Lord Burnham, one of the members of this Committee, has made a statement during the past few days as to the cause of his resignation?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes, Lord Burnham has given his views in public, and I have given mine, and I have nothing to add.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHow often has this Committee met, and has it fixed days for meeting?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMy hon. Friend must give me notice of that question. I cannot answer for my predecessors, but, as far as I am concerned, it has met on the average about once a quarter. It has met once this year, and it is due to meet again after the holidays.