§ Mr. JOYCEasked the Postmaster General whether he can say what loss-had been sustained by his Department per annum for the past 10 years at the Ballysimon post office, and what guarantee will be required for the reopening of this office, as the ratepayers of the district are prepared to give such a reasonable guarantee as may be required; is he aware that there were about 18 or 20 old age pensioners in this locality who must travel into Limerick in order to receive their pensions, very often in bad weather and at considerable risk to their health; and whether, taking all the circumstances into account, he can see his way to reopen this sub-office when it can be done without loss to the State?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Sydney Buxton)I cannot give the figures of loss which has been sustained on the working of the Ballysimon office alone for the period named. The present loss on the post by which Ballysimon is served is about £43 a year. As I have already explained to my hon. Friend, the postal business which would be transacted at Ballysimon is exceedingly small. I should not, therefore, be justified in reopening the office, unless a guarantee were given to defray (half-yearly in advance) the mini-mam expense involved, namely, £10 a year. On receipt of such a guarantee, however, I should be prepared to reopen the office.
§ Mr. JOYCECan the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether the postmaster at Limerick will now be empowered to enter into the necessary negotiations with the ratepayers of the district with a view to the reopening of the Ballysimon post office?
§ Mr. BUXTONYes, Sir. I understand that the guarantee will be forthcoming.