asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the aggregate net profit or deficit on the commercial operation of his Department for the years 1939 to 1952, inclusive, and (b) the amount of the deficit for each of the financial years 1952-53 to 1955-56, inclusive, distinguishing between the postal, telegraph and telephone services, and including the total deficit in each year for the three services.

The information required by the Deputy is given hereunder:—

(A) Aggregate net deficit—£681,000.

(B)