§ MR. WEIR (ROSS and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Postmaster General why the small mail steamer Lochiel was substituted for the Flowerdale on the route between Strome Ferry and Stornoway; whether he is aware that the Lochiel broke down on the 6th inst. on the passage between Strome Ferry and Stornoway, causing great delay in delivery of the mails and serious inconvenience and danger to the passengers and crew; and whether, in entering into the new contract, he will cause clauses to be inserted which will ensure a more satisfactory service?
§ MR. A. MORLEYIn reply to the hon. Member's questions addressed to me, as well as to that addressed to my right hon. Friend, I have to state that I am not aware of the circumstances which rendered it necessary to replace the usual mail steamer Lochiel, but I do not, doubt that the contractor made the best provision in his power to meet any emergency which may have occurred. The accident to which reference is made is much to be regretted, and I will ascertain whether it arose from any want of reasonable care. In the new contract about to be executed, clauses will be inserted to secure efficiency in the performance of the mail service.
§ DR. MACGREGORMay I, in connection with this question, ask whether 24 in making a new contract for the mail service in the northern islands he will endeavour to increase the postal facilities to Skye and Long Island?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThat question is under my consideration.