HC Deb 19 June 1855 vol 138 cc2251-3
MR. MEAGHER

said, he would now beg to move for a Select Committee to inquire into the postal arrangements in reference to the counties of Waterford, Tipperary, Cork, and Limerick, with a view to ascertain how they might be im- proved. He must complain of the great inconvenience suffered in consequence of the delay that occurred in the postal service in many parts of Ireland, more particularly in the districts he had alluded to—such service being performed between certain important towns by means of a one-horse car. He considered that in his part of Ireland the people were in a much worse position as to postal arrangements than they were in previous to the establishment of railways.

COLONEL DUNNE

seconded the Motion. He said that he had given notice of a Motion for a Committee of inquiry into the postal arrangements generally in Ireland, and it was his intention to expose other practices in the Post Office besides those of irregularity. If the Government were sincere in their desire for administrative reform, let them grant a Committee with a view to reforming the Post Office arrangements in Ireland.

MR. WILSON

said, the first duty of the Post Office was to provide for the rapid, uniform, and regular delivery of letters. That object, however, must be regulated somewhat by the nature of the particular service and fiscal considerations. So far from the Government being parsimonious in respect to this service in Ireland, it appeared that for the year ending the 5th January last there was a deficit of something like 2,000l. or 3,000l. in the Irish Post Office over and above the receipts. Wherever a railway could be used consistently with the convenience of passengers, it was invariably used for postal service. As this matter had come frequently before the House, and as the hon. Members from Ireland were desirous for this inquiry, he thought their wishes should be assented to. It was not, therefore, the intention of the Government to refuse the Committee; and he would communicate with the hon. Member for Waterford as to its appointment.

MR. BRADY

said, he would gladly have seen the proposed inquiry extended to the whole of Ireland, for there were many other irregularities in the postal service in other parts of Ireland besides those which had just been brought under the notice of the House.

MR. I. BUTT

said, he would express a hope that in the composition of the Committee there would be a fair representation of the Irish Members.

MR. FRENCH

said, that looking at the number of Irish Members present, it was clear why the Government had made their concession. He wished, however, to know if it was intended that a fair and impartial Committee would be appointed to inquire into the subject?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, that his hon. Friend (Mr. Wilson) had already stated that he would put himself in communication with the hon. Gentleman who moved the question for the purpose of nominating the Members of the Committee in the usual way.

Select Committee appointed, To inquire into the Postal Arrangements in the city and county of Waterford, and counties of Tipperary, Cork, and Limerick, with a view to ascertain and report how they may be improved.

Motion agreed to.