§ 20. Mr. Bossomasked 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. BurkeThe 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. BossomCan the hon. Gentleman say whether this service pays for itself, as it would have to do if it were in private hands?
§ Lieut-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIs the hon. Gentleman aware that no private firm is excused from making proper returns and keeping accounts on the 1517 ground of staff shortage, and are nationalised services to be given a special dispensation in this respect?
§ Mr. BurkeNo private firm is of the magnitude of the Post Office, or has undertaken so much work during the war.
§ Mr. William WilliamsWill 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. BossomCould the Minister state if this House has not, in recent years, had to provide funds to help this service?