§ MR. JAM ES GILHOOLY (Cork Co., W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Pest-master General, whether he is aware that the time between the arrival and departure of the mails in Castletown, Berehaven, has been recently abridged; and, if so, whether he will recommend an alteration with a view to facilitate replies to letters on the same day as they are received?
§ *MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General is aware that the time between the arrival and departure of the mails in Castletown has been recently abridged by 25 minutes. This is owing to the later departure of the night mails from Dublin—an alteration rendered necessary by the later receipt in Dublin of the day mails from the Provinces. Inquiry shall be made with the view of ascertaining whether any longer interval for reply can be afforded at Castletown.
§ MR. MACNEILLOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Louth, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he is aware that English letters arriving at Dundalk at 7.3 a.m. are kept 21 in the Post Office till after 9 a.m., when the Scotch Mail arrives, and are not delivered in some parts of the town till 10.30 a.m., with the result that towns farther north, such as Newry and Belfast, get their English Mails delivered sooner than Dundalk; and whether he will consider how this arrangement can he improved upon?
§ *MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General was not aware of the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Member. He has, however, ordered an inquiry to be made into the case.