asked the Postmaster-General if inquiries are yet completed regarding the Branch Post Office, Connaught Street, Athlone, and if he is aware that traders in Connaught Street applied for a licence to sell stamps, and that they were informed that conditions are not such as to warrant the issuing of such licences; and further, in view of the fact that the Minister has already stated in answer to a previous question that a licence would be given, whether he will take steps to relieve the inconvenience caused to the people living in Connaught Street, Athlone, by the closing of the Branch Office.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - ATHLONE BRANCH POST OFFICE.
Inquiry as regards the necessity for a second Post Office in Athlone has been completed, and it is found that the circumstances do not warrant the expenditure involved in the maintenance of such a facility. It is not proposed, therefore, to re-open a Sub-Post Office in that town.
The only application received for a licence to sell stamps has come from a shopkeeper whose premises are licensed for the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor. It is not usual to grant a stamp licence for premises of the kind, but if an application is received from a shopkeeper in the locality who is not a publican, it will be given favourable consideration.
Can the Postmaster-General state if it is his intention that a person who wants a licence to sell stamps in this particular street is supposed first to lodge £100 as security, and if that person wants to send for £4 worth of stamps that he will have to send £4 for them—will you give any statement to the effect or will you say what that person is gaining by getting this licence?
There is no fee required.