§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether his attention has been called to the following statement, made by Mr. Kelly, Chairman of the Belfast and County Down Railway Company, at the last half-yearly meeting of the Company, held at Belfast on the 15th February:— 1269
They (the Directors) had applied to the Post Office for a very moderate increase in the remuneration for giving increased accommodation to their district which the district required, and the various towns, Downpatrick, Newtownards, and Newcastle; hut the sum offered by the Post Office for the improved service was most inadequate. Of course they were anxious to give every advantage to the district served by the railway; hut, at the same time, they could not give increased accommodation at a loss to themselves;at what time was this application made to the Postal Authorities; what was the amount of the "moderate increase in the remuneration" required by the Company, also the amount offered to the Company for the improved service; and, at what date definite arrangements will be made to provide the people of these important towns with proper postal accommodation?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)My attention had not previously been called to the statement of the Chairman of the Belfast and County Down Railway Company to which the hon. Member refers. For some time past negotiations have been going on between the Department and the Railway Company respecting the Mail Service; and I am expecting shortly to receive further Reports from Ireland upon the subject. But whilst these negotiations are pending, I do not think it would be for the public interest if I were to enter into any detailed statement on the subject.