asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will insure that people cashing British postal orders and cheques in post offices will receive the proper rate of exchange.

The Department of Posts and Telegraphs, like other post office, does not undertake currency conversion at its counters and accordingly British postal orders, uncrossed, presented at counters here could be cashed only at their face value.

Will the Deputies please let Deputy Deasy ask a supplementary question?

I did not hear the part of the question which related to postal orders. I wonder if the Minister would repeat it?

The Minister may repeat it if he wishes.

If I can get peace and quiet I will read it again.

Order, please.

The Department of Posts and Telegraphs, like other post offices, does not undertake currency conversion at its counters and accordingly British postal orders, uncrossed, presented at counters here could be cashed only at their face value.

British cheques are not encashable at post office counters in this administration but they may be accepted to settle accounts issued by this Department or as deposits in Post Office Savings Bank accounts at their face value.

Does the Minister not agree that, because of the large divergence between the values of the two currencies in question, some provision should be made for compensation or for a proper exchange rate?

Postal orders and cheques may be presented at the banks to get their full value. Currency transactions are not carried on by us or by the British Post Office or by most other post office administrations either.

Is it not most unfair that people who traditionally use the Post Office by force of habit should be discriminated against in this manner?

I do not accept that they are discriminated against. As I said, currency transactions are not carried on by this administration, by the British administration or by most other administrations.

To what extent has the Minister's Department benefited from the exchange rate?

I do not have that information with me. If the Deputy wants to put down another question I will certainly answer it.

On a point of order, the Minister has informed Deputy Deasy that cheques will be paid only on their face value.

This is not a point of order. I have called Question No.4.

Is the Minister not discriminating against people who present money at the post office? Is he not fleecing people?

I am not fleecing people.

The Minister is continuing a dishonest practice.

Will the Minister answer the next question, please?