§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Postmaster-General why it took from 13th June until 29th June for him to reply to communications about telephone facilities he received from Contractco Overseas Containers Limited and the hon. Member for West Ham, North, respectively; and whether the recent statement made by a Post Office official on this matter was made with his authority.
§ Mr. StonehouseDetailed investigations were necessary and the time taken to reply is reasonable. Authority for local Press statements is delegated to local officers. I do not authorise personally every Press statement made.