§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Mayo, S.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General on what conditions will he consent to give 1257 a post office to the people of Kilawalla, co. Mayo, in the vicinity of the chapel, the two schools, and the police barrack, the centre of a large population?
§ * MR. RAIKESIn reply to the hon. Member, I am sorry to say that the only condition upon which I could sanction the establishment of a Post Office at Kilawalla is that a guarantee should be given on behalf of the persons interested to pay the expense involved. Even now the postal service in the direction of Kilawalla entails a loss to the Revenue.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENWould the right hon. Gentleman require a guarantee from a population of 400 or 500 people in any part of Great Britain? This locality contains a population of 400 or 500 who are obliged to go to Westport, a distance of eight miles for postal purposes.
§ * MR. RAIKESIf it were a mere question of population I should certainly have to require a guarantee from the residents of any part of the United Kingdom if the post office at such a place were carried on at an actual loss. The establishment of a post office at Kilawalla would, I am informed, involve a loss of revenue, and having regard to the local circumstances, I am bound to ask for a guarantee from the residents against loss.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENIs not Westport a well-paying post office, and if so, why not let the people of Kilawalla have the overplus?
§ * MR. RAIKESI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of the question.