asked the Postmaster-General how many times the Post Office Advisory Council met in 1948; and what advice they tendered to him.

The Post Office Advisory Council met five times in 1948 and gave the benefit of their advice on all matters of current interest. The proceedings of the Council are confidential, and I regret I am not at liberty to disclose them.

Would it not remove the feeling that this Council is moribund if the evidence was published?

I do not think it is.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the proceedings of the Council are most valuable from the point of view of advice tendered to the Postmaster-General, and that at every meeting we have been able to exchange views?

I agree entirely with the hon. Member.