HC Deb 25 May 1841 vol 58 cc799-801
Viscount Ingestrie

moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the Post-Office Communication with the South of Ireland, and stated, that he did so in consequence of the changes which had taken place in the modes of conveyance since the present arrangements were made. He had understood, that almost all the letters now, since the opening of railways to Liverpool, went to the south of Ireland by Liverpool and Dublin, instead of Milford; but since the opening of the Great Western Railway a more certain and expeditious communication would be by Bristol; and he thought, it would be highly convenient if a packet were to run from Bristol to Waterford—a voyage which was accomplished upon an average, within twenty-two hours. If the Chancellor of the Exchequer thought it advisable, he had no objection to this inquiry being referred to the West-India mail Committee.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that he should make no objection to the appointment of the committee; but it was under the consideration of the Government to decide how far they should give up the Milford communication. It seemed to be thought, that if Milford lost it, Bristol must get it; but that was not so clear: for it was very doubtful whether it might not be convenient to drop the southern line of communication, and take that by Holyhead, or Liverpool. He preferred, that this should be a fresh committee; he wished the question to be looked into fairly; and the question of the communication between Greenock and Belfast should also be considered by the committee.

Mr. Lucas

entirely agreed, that a fresh committee should be appointed.

Captain Berkeley

thought, that the most convenient communication would be by Bristol.

Mr. Shaw

said, that this subject was of great importance to Ireland. At present, the communication was not so expeditious and certain as it might be, and it was desirable, that the whole question should be considered by the committee. The great point was the selection of a port for the most direct communication between London and Dublin. He hoped some step might be taken to provide for a more quick and direct communication with the whole of Ireland.

Viscount Ingestrie

consented to alter the terms of his motion, so as to include the communication between Great Britain and Ireland.

Motion agreed to.

Adjourned.