MR. BAILLIE, on the Order of the Day being read for going into Committee of Supply, called the attention of the House to the state of Post-office accommodation afforded to the Hebrides. The islands of Skye and Lewis had been relieved of the expense of conveying the mails from the main land; but in the case of Long Island the old system existed. If the map was consulted it would be seen that Long Island was composed of three islands; but as at low water they could be communicated with by fords, they went under the common name of Long Island. The proprietors of that territory were Lord Macdonald and Colonel Gordon. Up to a late period the expense of the packet which conveyed the mails from the main land, and which was 300l. a year, was defrayed by these two proprietors and their tenants; but about four years ago Colonel Gordon objected to the payment of his proportion, on the ground that it was the duty of the Government to deliver all letters at a uniform charge, and the whole expense devolved upon Lord Macdonald and his tenants. In consequence of the heavy expenses to which his Lordship had been subjected from the calamity which had overtaken the island, he had been under the necessity of intimating his intention of withdrawing his contribution. He (Mr. Baillie) wished to know what course the Government intended to pursue under such circumstances? It was surely not intended that a population of 15,000 persons should be deprived of Post-office accommodation.
§ MR. PARKERstated, that the subject to which the hon. Member referred, had been mentioned to him some time since, and he communicated with the authorities at the Post Office, from whom he understood that inquiries would be instituted in Scotland; but no official communication had yet been made to the Treasury as to their result. The question was still under 554 the consideration of the Postmaster General; and he hoped that arrangements would be eventually made which would meet the wishes of the hon. Gentleman and those whose views he represented.