§ 33. Mr. Mulveyasked the Postmaster-General whether he will give the total revenue of the Post Office in Northern Ireland for the year ended 31st December, 1947; the total cost of all services connected therewith; and if the Government of Northern Ireland defray the entire cost of the staff which they keep for the purpose of censoring letters in Northern Ireland.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Wilfred Paling)The total revenue of the Post Office in Northern Ireland, including Broadcast Receiving Licences sold, for the year ended 31st December, 1947 was 2,535,000, and the total cost of the services was £2,370,000. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department that the Government of Northern Ireland defray the entire cost of the staff referred to in the latter part of the hon. Member's Question.
§ Mr. MulveyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Post Office authorities are paying for the use of rooms, light, and fire used by those engaged in censorship in the Belfast Post Office?
§ Mr. PalingWe do not pay these people. That is rather a detailed question, and if the hon. Member wants an answer on those details he had better put down a Question.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWhat kind of censorship is referred to in this Question? Can the Postmaster-General tell us?
§ Mr. PalingIt is not censorship. That is a misnomer.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeThen what is it?