§ 5. Mr. Ridleyasked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed that the new Post Office Corporation will buy and construct its own buildings, or whether this will still be done through the Ministry of Public Building and Works.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to paragraph 41 of the White Paper on Reorganisation of the Post Office.
§ Mr. RidleyWill the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to stop this demarcation dispute between the Ministry of Public Building and Works and the new Post Office Corporation? Is he aware that it is inefficient to prevent the Corporation from being allowed to construct, buy and sell its buildings, just the same as any of the other nationalised industries?
§ Mr. SlaterThe White Paper says that since 1961 the Post Office and the Ministry have both been free to terminate or modify their relationship, subject to due notice and consultation. It is intended that this should remain the position when the Corporation is set up.