POSTAL PUZZLES

Madam, - I wonder if the planned increase in postal charges (The Irish Times, August 6th) will result in a speedier delivery. A letter which I posted on June 29th, 2001 reached its destination in London over two years later on July 20th, 2003. The letter is postmarked An Clocha Liatha, June 29th 2000 - a full year before it was sent! - Yours, etc.,

ROBERT S. MYERSCOUGH, Kendalstown Rise, Delgany, Co Wicklow.

Madam, - Another question for Mary Harney. When the price of posting a letter increases by 7 cents, or 17 per cent, who do we "shop around" with? The Royal Mail, US Mail or Deutsche Post? - Yours etc.,

PETER BUCHANAN, Annamoe, Co Wicklow.