asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his Department recently increased the rent of the official residence of the postmaster at Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, from £13 to £33 10s. per annum, an increase of almost 158 per cent.; and, if so, if he will state what are the reasons for this abnormal increase.

On the recent occurrence of a vacancy at Ballyhaunis, the rent of the official residence which had been £17 1s. per annum was fixed at £33 10s. per annum, which is inclusive of rates and internal maintenance. The new rent was fixed after consultation with the Commissioner of Valuation, who considered that a fair rent for the residence would be £35.