MR. MACDONALD CAMERON (Wick)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the 8 p.m. mail from London to Scotland does not arrive in Wick until 5.30 p.m. next evening, in Thurso until 6 p.m., and in Kirkwall until 12 p.m.; and whether he is prepared to take such steps as will enable the mails to reach Wick at 3.30 p.m. and Kirkwall at 8 p.m., so as to enable merchants and others in those remote towns to peruse their correspondence and reply to it by next morning's south-going mail?
§ *MR. RAIKESThe facts are, no doubt, substantially as stated in the hon. Member's question; but, while fully appreciating the importance of the matter, I should not be justified in incurring additional expense in accelerating the Highland Mail Service, the cost of that Service being already very great. I am, however, giving very careful attention to the subject, in the hope that a way may 681 be found of acceding to the wishes expressed, without adding to the charge on the public purse.