asked the Postmaster-General how many complaints both of injury caused by dogs and of difficulty in delivering mail he has had from postmen during the last five years.

These matters are dealt with locally and central records are not available but we estimate that there are about thirty cases of sick leave a year due to dog bites.

Has the hon. Gentleman taken any steps to inform householders that unless they keep their dogs in order and prevent the postmen from being injured or frightened mail will not be delivered?

Our postmasters have full authority, after due warning, to withhold delivery to the premises of any householder who takes no notice of warnings that are given.