HC Deb 03 May 1974 vol 872 c329W
Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what functions of the former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications will be transferred to him.

Mr. Benn

I shall assume under the Post Office Act the rights and duties of the Minister sponsoring the Post Office. These include: the appointment of the chairman and members; approval of its capital investment programme and its borrowing; and certain powers of general and specific direction. I shall appoint members of the Post Office Users' Councils. I shall also be the Minister sponsoring Cable and Wireless Ltd.