HC Deb 20 December 1945 vol 417 cc1516-7
20. Mr. Bossom

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why he does not make public the accounts of the national telephone system; and if he will do so regularly in the New Year.

Mr. Burke

The preparation and presentation of the Post Office Commercial Accounts was suspended during the war as a measure of economy of accounting staff. A good deal of work is involved in their resumption and I do not anticipate that it will be possible to prepare detailed commercial accounts before the year commencing 1st April, 1947.

Mr. Bossom

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this service pays for itself, as it would have to do if it were in private hands?

Mr. Burke

Yes, Sir, very much so.

Lieut-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that no private firm is excused from making proper returns and keeping accounts on the ground of staff shortage, and are nationalised services to be given a special dispensation in this respect?

Mr. Burke

No private firm is of the magnitude of the Post Office, or has undertaken so much work during the war.

Mr. William Williams

Will my hon. Friend emphasize to hon. Members opposite that the telephone service has never looked back since it was taken over by the nation?

Mr. Bossom

Could the Minister state if this House has not, in recent years, had to provide funds to help this service?

Mr. Burke

I think not.

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