§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if it-is proposed to make any alteration in the service of the homeward American Mail between Queenstown and Euston?
§ MR. A. MORLEYYes, Sir. In view of the acceleration of the Mail Service to and from Queenstown, it has been decided to abandon as too costly the experimental arrangement of sending American Mails from Queenstown to London by special train, and packet services when they reach Queenstown at certain times when connection with the regular day and night services to London would not be maintained. The arrangement will be to carry on to Liverpool Mails which cannot advantageously be lauded at Queenstown, and send them by special or ordinary train from Liverpool to London.
§ MR. MACARTNEYHas the Postmaster General considered the great inconvenience which will be caused to traders with the United States by this decision?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI do not think it will make much difference in the time of arrival in London.
§ MR. M. HEALYHow often has this extra service been run, and what has been the cost?
§ * MR. A. MORLEYIt costs about £130 each time. It was estimated it would be required 11 times a year: but it has been required more frequently, and the Estimate has been considerably exceeded.
§ MR. MACARTNEYI shall call attention to this matter on the Estimates.
MR. FIELDDoes not the existing contract terminate on the 30th September, 1894, at a year's notice? What steps have been taken to provide for its continuance?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI must ask for notice of that question.