§ 45. Mr. Russellasked the Prime Minister whether the speech made by the Postmaster-General on 22nd May advocating complete freedom from Treasury control for the Post Office represents the policy of the Government.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I presume the hon. Member is referring to an informal speech which my right hon. Friend made at the Conference of Post Office Controlling Officers. The suggestions which he made were put forward for consideration and discussion and did not purport to represent Government policy.
§ Mr. RussellWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that, whether the speech was formal or informal, it contained some very practicable and sensible suggestions, and will he reconsider the matter and stop using the Post Office as a source for raising taxation?
§ The Prime MinisterI have been at the Post Office myself, and I am well aware of the difficulty of these questions.