asked the Postmaster-General how many scale payment sub-post offices there are in England and Wales; whether his attention has been called to the bulk of the regulations periodically circulated to them; and whether the Government, in the interests of national economy, will find some simpler and more effective means of guiding these sub-offices on any matter of difficulty likely to arise?

The number of scale payment offices in England and Wales is approximately 18,000. On general grounds, as well as for the reason mentioned by the hon. Member, the Departmental regulations issued to them are abridged and simplified wherever practicable.