§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that on the Bank Holiday Whit Monday sub-post offices are permitted to close their premises, he will consider the advisability of extending this privilege to Ireland.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) There is, speaking generally, no difference in England and in Ireland in the rules as regards the closing of sub-post offices on Bank Holidays, but it seems that Whit Monday is not observed in Ireland as a public holiday to the same extent as in England, and some modification may in certain cases be made in the practice as regards closing post offices on that day in order to meet the public convenience. If the hon. Member has any special case in view in which he thinks the present practice might with advantage be modified, I shall be happy to consider it if he will furnish the necessary particulars.