§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on 7th November, the morning letters were not delivered in Ballyshannon until mid-day, and that on 9th November the second delivery of letters was not made till after ten o'clock; and whether, having regard to the frequent complaints of the delay and inconvenience caused by the defects in the postal service in Ballyshannon, he will consider the propriety of directing a public inquiry to be held by a responsible official, with a view to the removal of the causes which so gravely affect the business of the locality and the convenience of its inhabitants.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The delay in the delivery of letters at Ballyshannon on the particular occasions referred to was due to the late arrival of the train at Bundoran Junction. The only way in which the general service to Ballyshannon could be improved would, as explained to the hon. Member some time ago, be by using a train in place of a mail cart from Bundoran Junction to Ballyshannon, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to resume negotiations with the railway company on this matter.