§ COLONEL MALCOLMI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has determined to maintain the accelerated mail service between Stirling and Oban all the year round; whether he has received tenders for the proposed improved postal service in the West Highlands and Islands; and, if so, how many tenders were sent in; whether they agreed to the conditions advertised as to an improved class of steam vessels with better speed, and, if they did not so agree, will he restrict the contracts to a period of twelve months, so that the public may have another opportunity of tendering?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONIt has not been found practicable to arrange for the maintenance of the accelerated mail service between Stirling and Oban all the year round. No tenders have been received for the postal services in the West Highlands and Islands that agree to the conditions advertised, and the only practicable proposals made are for the continuance of the existing service. The new contracts will be for a period of twelve months, terminable at any time on six months' notice.