§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, with reference to the question of a mail service by the Larne and Stranraer route, and the suggestions laid before him by a deputation from Ulster last June, whether he will now state what offer has been made by the companies concerned, and at what decision, if any, he has arrived; and whether he will lay upon the Table a Copy of the Correspondence and a Return showing how often and to what extent the mails to Belfast and the North of Ireland were delivered late during the half year ended the 31st ultimo?
§ MR. RAIKESIn reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that it is only within the last few days that I have been able to procure full information as to the relative advantages and cost of the Larne and Holyhead routes. I have arranged to receive next week a deputation from the Corporation of Londonderry on the subject, and, as the hon. Gentleman will see, I cannot come to any conclusion until after the deputation have stated their views. I hope, however, to be able to place my views before the Treasury as soon as I have been able to consider any suggestions which the deputation may make. It is not customary to lay on the Table correspondence relating to a matter which is still receiving consideration.