HC Deb 25 August 1893 vol 16 cc1091-2
Captain DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the American mail, landed at Liverpool ex Majestic, was delivered in London about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 23rd instant, enabling replies to be despatched by the outgoing steamer on Thursday; whether he could state what time could be gained by availing of the special service from Queenstown; and whether he is aware that the letters carried by the American liner Paris, viâ Southampton (which left New York at the same time as the Majestic, and is the faster vessel), did not reach London until long after business hours on Wednesday, and cannot, therefore, be answered until Saturday, 26th instant?

MR. A. MORLEY

As I stated in the House yesterday, the Majestic brought for London only a small quantity of specially addressed correspondence. This was sent out for delivery in the City soon after 5 p.m.; and replies could be sent by the outgoing mail of Thursday. Some four hours might have been gained if a special through service had been employed, but the facts which I have stated clearly show that the necessary expenditure would have been unjustifiable. I am aware that the letters brought by the Paris did not reach London in time for reply by the outgoing mail. The Paris arrived at Southampton at 4.38 p.m. on the 23rd of August (Wednesday), and the mails reached the General Post Office, London, at 7.4 p.m.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Does not this prove the superiority of the Queenstown route for delivery in London?

[The question was not answered.]