HC Deb 03 May 1898 vol 57 cc164-5
MR. J. J. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether any steps have yet been taken to carry out the undertaking given last year that a house to house delivery of letters would be instituted in every part of the three kingdoms; and, if not why not?

MR. HANBURY

It was expressly stated at the time the concession was made that the work would necessarily occupy a considerable time. Arrangements have, however, already been made for bringing no fewer than 14 millions of letters a year into the free delivery. It was estimated, roughly, that there were only about 16 millions of letters to be dealt with. There is reason to think that this number was an under-estimate, and that the work of affording a free delivery to every house was greater than was anticipated last June. The work is proceeding with all possible despatch.