§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware of the great inconvenience experienced in Belfast by the inhabitants of Balmoral and the adjoining district in consequence of the absence of a late postal collection or one early in the following morning; and whether, as Marlborough Park district has five deliveries in the day and the Balmoral and Osborne Park district only three, he will favourably consider the matter in the interest of a rapidly increasing population in this extensive district within the boundary of the city of Belfast?
§ MR. HANBURYThe first morning collection in the district referred to is made at 9.5 a.m., and the last evening collection at 7.45 p.m., and these hours are considered in the circumstances to afford reasonable accommodation. The question of making an earlier morning collection has been examined recently, but it was found that the amount of correspondence was not sufficient to justify the increase of expenditure involved, and it is regretted, therefore, that no change can be made 1443 in this respect at present. As regards the delivery service, inquiry shall be made whether any increase is warranted in the present number of deliveries, and the result shall be communicated to the honourable Member.