Captain CRAIGasked the Postmaster General the number of cases in which the buildings of the post and telegraph offices are the property of the Department, and the total value of the same in Scotland and Ireland, respectively; the number of cases in which the business is carried on in rented offices solely in their control, and the total annual rent of the same in Scotland and Ireland, respectively; and the number of cases in which the business is carried on by shopkeepers or others as an addition to their own business, and the total annual commission paid for the same in Scotland and Ireland, respectively?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe information desired by the hon. Member practically amounts to a return that could not he prepared without labour and expense, which would not appear to be justified.