HC Deb 28 February 1893 vol 9 cc563-4
MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General how often during the three months ending 31st January, 1893, the Irish mail train leaving Euston at 8.20 p.m. has left Crewe at 12 o'clock midnight for Holyhead; and how often during the same period the postal train leaving Euston at 8.30 p.m. has arrived at Crewe up to time?

MR. A. MORLEY

In answer to the first paragraph, I have to say that the trains in question were not working well during the period referred to. The Irish mail train leaving Euston at 8.20 p.m. left Crewe at 12 o'clock midnight for Holyhead only five times during the three months. On 57 occasions, however, during the same period it left within 10 minutes of the appointed time. In answer to the second paragraph, the down special mail train reached Crewe at the appointed time on three occasions only during the period, but on 61 occasions the train arrived within 10 minutes of the time. The period specified happens to be the one during which the weather is most unfavourable for railway service, and the delay indicated was largely due to unavoidable causes.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to look into this matter at some other period? Our experience is that the delays are constant and not confined to a particular season.

MR. A. MORLEY

I am in communication with the Company on the subject.

MR. MACARTNEY

I shall call attention to the matter on another occasion.