§ 23. Mr. LEONARD LYLEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many robberies of the mails in Ireland there have been since the beginning of the year and how many last month; whether it is possible to see that the postmen are in most cases accompanied by an armed guard; and whether it is better to reduce the number of deliveries and collections and ensure their safety rather than endeavour to maintain normal conditions without due protection both of those who carry the letters and those who write them?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As stated in reply to previous questions, I have called for a return, but cannot at present give the numbers asked for. The robberies, however, though serious enough, are not so numerous and extensive as the hon. Member seems to suggest. I do not think it is possible to accompany every postman by an armed guard, even if the number of deliveries and collections were reduced.