§ MR. SLOAN () Belfast, S.To ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that in connection with recent complaints of late delivery of the English mails in Belfast, instructions have been issued that deliveries must commence at a certain time, and that the Belfast postmaster has stated that no excuse will be taken in lieu of a prompt despatch; and whether, seeing that sufficient time is not given for sorting the mails, the Postmaster General will inquire into the circumstances of the case with a view to making a satisfactory arrangement.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) In consequence of complaints of delay 441 received from the public, the postmaster of Belfast has given special attention to the question, and has properly enjoined upon the staff the importance of securing punctuality in the deliveries of letters. His action has my entire approval. Sufficient time is allowed for sorting the mails under normal conditions.