§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI desire to make a short personal explanation. At the commencement of business on Friday, I had a private notice question to the Postmaster-General, and, as he was not here, I took it upon myself to pass certain strictures upon him. I received information afterwards that he was ill. I regret very much the cause of his absence and I unreservedly apologise to him for my innocent mistake, and I hope he accepts that apology.
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)I accept it without any hesitation whatever. I know the hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite certain that though at times I annoy him, I never willingly would be discourteous to him or to the House. The only thing I will add is that, if I had been actually in my place, the only answer I could have given was that I am not the competent authority to answer the question, which should have been addressed to the Prime Minister.