HC Deb 19 December 1961 vol 651 cc131-2W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Postmaster-General when the Pilkington Committee was appointed; how many times it has met; what has been the cost of its deliberations; and in what month he expects its report will be published.

Mr. Bevins

The Committee's terms of reference and the appointment of the Chairman were announced in the House on the 13th July, 1960, and the appointment of the other members was announced on 8th September, 1960.

I do not know the exact number of times the Committee has met so far, although I understand that the full Committee has had over 65 full-day meetings; there have also been subcommittee meetings and an extensive programme of visits. The total expenses of the Committee will be published with its Report.

As I informed the House on 7th November, 1961, I hope the Committee will be able to let me have its Report in the spring. The Report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.