HC Deb 19 July 1972 vol 841 cc609-10
32. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will list his statutory responsibilities for posts and telecommunications.

Sir J. Eden

My statutory functions are derived mainly from the Post Office Act, 1969. As the list is very long I will send it to the hon. Member. I will also place a copy in the Library.

Mr. Molloy

I shall be very interested to receive it from the right hon. Gentleman. Is he aware, however, that very often in answer to questions he has said that this is a matter for the Post Office and that many hon. Members and the general public are under the impression that he, too, has something to do with the Post Office when we ask him questions dealing with issues related to social security? I can see the complexity here, but does not the Minister agree that there should be a closer relationship between his Department and that of the Secretary of State for Social Services to give proper answers to the questions we ask?

Sir J. Eden

I must admit that I shared the general public's view of the matter before I got to where I am. The fact remains that there is a great difference between detailed and general responsibility.