asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the steps he proposes to take to combat recent incidents where Irish companies and organisations have used British postal charges for letters for the purpose of distributing letters in this country.
Written Answers. - Use of British Postal Charges.
286.
My Department are statutorily empowered to take action in regard to mail for delivery in the State which is posted elsewhere in order to obtain the benefit of lower postage rates. Mail found to have been so posted by persons living or carrying on business in the State, or which they arrange to have posted elsewhere is charged at the appropriate postage rates in force here and the items are withheld for delivery until the postage due has been paid. In addition, the sender may be legally compelled to furnish within a specified time the details of any other similar postings made by him or on his behalf.
Any cases to which this legislation appears to apply and which have come to the notice of my Department have been taken up with the person or body concerned with a view to recovery of any postage due. In order to remove any possible misconception in regard to this type of posting, I propose to publicise the legal position in regard to it.