§ 26. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Postmaster-General when he will announce the name of the Chairman of the Post Office; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseNot yet.
§ Mr. MillsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay is intolerable? How long has he been looking for a Chairman? It is true that he has approached seven people who have turned him down? As he has not made a decision on the salary, how does he think he can approach people to take on this important job?
§ Mr. StonehouseIt would not have been appropriate to announce the appointment of the Chairman until the Post Office Bill had gone through all its stages in the House of Commons. Certain Amendments were considered which would have had some bearing on the matter. I have 1621 been considering the appointment since last July. It is not true that seven people have turned it down; none has turned it down. I have been considering a wide variety of names so that I may appoint the best individual for the job when the time comes.