§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)asked the Postmaster General, with reference to the increased mail accommodation required between Belfast, Newtownards, and Downpatrick, Whether he has received a Memorial from the Town Commissioners of Downpatrick, urging the necessity of improved service; whether he will state the amount for which the Belfast and County Down Railway Company propose to give the increased accommodation required; and, whether he will mention what is the amount which the Treasury offers to give to the Railway Company for such additional service?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University),in reply, said, that, as he had informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question of April 25, he had entered into further negotiations with the Belfast and County 691 Down Railway Company respecting the improvement of the mail service. Negotiations of thi3 kind could not be concluded in a day; and while they were proceeding, Questions as to the terms offered or demanded were more likely to prevent than to facilitate a settlement.
§ MR. M'CARTANMay I ask the Tight hon. Gentleman when these negotiations are likely to conclude? They have now been going on for some months, and the people are kept out of the required accommodation.
§ MR. RAIKESI can assure the hon. Member that no effort on my part has been wanting to bring them to a conclusion.