§ 44. Mr. Ian Gilmourasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give an assurance that any further statement on Post Office price increases, including the proposed increases in postal charges, will be made to the House.
§ Mr. StonehouseSection 28 of the Post Office Act, 1969, enables the Post Office to determine its charges and to bring them into effect by publication in theLondon, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes.Naturally, I expect to be able to inform the House in advance of any important proposals of this kind.
§ Mr. GilmourBut is not the Minister aware that his record in making statements relating to matters in his Department either during a Recess or by such expedients as Answers to Written Questions is a very sorry one, and will he give an assurance that he will, in future, be more open with the House?
§ Mr. StonehouseI do not agree with the hon. Gentleman's comment. I came to the House quite frankly and told hon. Members that the target was being changed, and they knew very well what was to be expected. But I have given an assurance that, as far as I can, I will first bring these proposals to the House.