asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if there are any statistics available in his Department which indicate the annual outflow of mail from this country and the annual inflow; and, if so, if he will give such statistics in respect of the past three years distinguishing between (a) registered post, (b) unregistered post, and (c) parcel post.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to have a tabular statement, containing estimated figures under the headings requested, circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

OUTGOING MAIL:

INCOMING MAIL:

NOTE: The estimated letter post figures shown are statistical figures derived from sample returns for short periods. Adjustments are made in the light of other returns and information with a view to giving, as far as possible, representative figures for the year. The annual figures thus derived are therefore very approximate.