§ 2. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will initiate legislation to provide for a network of local post offices operating as private companies.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir, but there are nearly 23,000 sub-postmasters engaged in private enterprise.
§ Mr. HamiltonBut not in relation to postal services. Does not the right hon. Gentleman recall that he expressed a distaste for monopoly conditions in radio and broadcasting generally? Does he not apply the same criteria to postal services, or does he think that monopoly services are desirable and efficient?
§ Mr. ChatawayI have never disguised my view that for postal services, in this country as in all others, a monopoly is desirable. One continually has to look at the scope of such monopolies. But when it comes to broadcasting, I am glad to say that there is no such necessity for a monopoly.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWill not my right hon. Friend welcome the belated conversion to the theories of private enterprise shown by the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton)?
§ Mr. ChatawayIt is most encouraging.