HC Deb 04 April 1882 vol 268 cc659-60
MR. THOROLD ROGERS

asked the Postmaster General, Whether he will consider the propriety of saving time in the conveyance of passengers from England to the United States, by discontinuing the practice of calling for the mails at Queenstown, especially as the causes which led to the practice have been wholly superseded by the almost daily mails to the United States, and since the delay is a great inconvenience and discomfort to passengers and a hindrance to the transaction of business?

MR. FAWCETT

Sir, the advantage of the packets calling at Queenstown for mails to the United States is, that it gives a later despatch by 24 hours from London than if the mails were embarked at Liverpool; while it gives even greater advantage to correspondence posted in Ireland. I do not think, therefore, it would be desirable to make the change suggested by my hon. Friend. I may add that mails are only sent by three out of the several lines of steamers to America; and I cannot help thinking that it is a convenience to passengers, and especially to passengers from Ireland, to have the opportunity of embarking from Queenstown.