MR. ANGUSSCTHERLAND (Sutherland)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether arrangements have been concluded with the Highland Railway Company for carrying Her Majesty's mails for the period of the next five years; and, if so, whether he can state what improvements of the present Postal Service the Railway Company have undertaken to carry out, and the date from which they will take effect?
§ *MR. RAIKESTerms have been arranged with the Highland Railway Company for a new contract for a period of five years. Under this contract there will be a material acceleration of the down day mail from Perth, which mail, now due at Wick and Thurso about 5 p.m., will be due shortly after 1 o'clock. Power is also taken to 1126 extend the use of the travelling post offices as far north as Helmsdale, and a variety of minor advantages have been secured. The terms of the new agreement were only ratified on Saturday last, but my Department is sparing no pains to bring the new services into operation on Monday week, the 17th.