HC Deb 05 July 1888 vol 328 cc414-5
MR. A. SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)

asked the Postmaster General, Whether, seeing the recent arrangements between the Post Office and the Highland Rail- way Company for the conveyance of Her Majesty's mails have terminated on the 1st instant, he is now prepared to relax the restrictions hitherto placed upon postal communication in the North of Scotland by running a sorting van through to Wick, and vice versâ, by all mail trains?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL(Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)

I am not sure that I understand the hon. Member's Question. No restrictions that I am aware of have been placed on postal communication in the North of Scotland. I could not consent to run a sorting-van through to Wick by every mail train, the facilities hitherto afforded having provided very amply for the needs of the districts traversed by the Highland Railway.

DR. CLARK (Caithness)

Has the right hon. Gentleman made a new contract with the Highland Railway Company?

MR. RAIKES

The contract has just terminated, and is now under consideration.