HC Deb 03 May 1886 vol 305 cc150-1
MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSH (Inverness-shire)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Post Office Authorities have received complaints regarding the deliveries of mails to Portree; and, whether a daily post by steamer can be granted during the winter as is done in the summer months?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)

Representations have, from time to time, been received from Portree respecting the convenience that would be afforded if the steam packet from Strome could run six days a-week throughout the year, instead of six days a-week in summer only and three days a-week at other seasons. A more frequent service in winter is not, however, required for ordinary traffic, and extra trips for mail purposes alone would involve a very large additional outlay, which would not be warranted. In winter, when the steam packet runs only three days a-week, the Mails are sent on the alternate days by Kyleakin Ferry and overland; and, having regard to the amount of correspondence affected, the service afforded to Skye, taken as a whole, cannot be considered unsatisfactory.