§ Mr. FIELDasked the Postmaster-General the value of the stores supplied to Irish postmasters and engineers from Great Britain without the intervention of the Dublin stores branch during each of the ten years ended 31st March, 1913; and what were the charges made by the English Post Office for the work of purchasing, examining, repairing, distributing, and controlling the supply of stores for the Irish Post Office during each of the years in question?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is the exception for stores supplied to Irish postmasters and engineers to be sent by direct despatch from Great Britain and not through the Dublin stores depôt, and the value of the stores thus sent is insignificant. Possibly, however, the hon. Member has in mind the value of all stores sup-2150W plied from Great Britain, as distinguished from stores supplied by firms in Ireland, whether they pass through the Dublin depôt or not. In either case, the compilation of a return for ten years would entail very serious expense. No charge is made by the English Post Office against Ireland for the work of purchasing, examining, repairing, distributing, and controlling the supply of stores.