asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that postal facilities to and from Northern Ireland and internal postal services therein are still much worse than before the war; and when may a return to pre-war standards be expected.

Yes, Sir. I regret that as a result of the war the present postal service in Northern Ireland is inferior to the pre-war service. The service has been improved in certain respects as from 1st October, and my Noble Friend's intention is to introduce further improvements as quickly as staffing and transport facilities allow. Some time must, however, elapse before a return to pre-war standards is practicable.