asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters sent by airmail to Northern Ireland cost 5½d., whereas letters sent by airmail to Switzerland cost only 5d.; and whether he is prepared to take steps to remedy this anomaly.

The charge on letters up to 8 oz. sent by air to Northern Ireland is 3d. in addition to the ordinary postage. My noble Friend had hoped to see introduced this summer a new service, under which all letter mails for Northern Ireland would be sent by air without surcharge, but much to his regret he has just learned that for technical reasons this will probably have to be deferred until next year. He is therefore taking steps to reduce to 2d. the present additional charge for the first 2 oz. on letters sent by air to Northern Ireland.

May I be allowed to thank the Assistant Postmaster-General for this valuable concession, which removes a serious grievance from Ulster?

Is not this the first time that an Irish grievance has been remedied by the present Administration?