§ MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSH (Inverness-shire)asked the Secretary for Scotland, Whether, in reply to a Memorial from the inhabitants of Harris, the Under Secretary, on 9th November last, in a letter addressed to Captain Paterson, at Tarbert, of Harris, promised—
A service of steamers which will call at Harris and connect the Island with Oban on the one hand, and Strome Ferry viâ Portree on the other;whether he is aware that the Postmaster General has since declined to connect Harris by steam postal service either with Oban or Strome Ferry; and, whether he will use his influence with the Postal Authorities to procure the facilities desired by the people of Harris?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)In the letter referred to by the hon. Member, it was stated by my desire that arrangements were under consideration which would meet the wishes of the inhabitants of Harris in the manner indicated in tie Question; but financial difficulties have, unfortunately, arisen, which I will endeavour to remove by further communication with the Treasury.