§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that telegraph extension from Poolewe to Aultbea, Ross-shire, was promised some time ago by the Post Office authorities; can he state the cause of the delay in putting the work in hand; and whether he will in this matter consider the interests of the large fishing population of the district?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY,) Nottingham, E.I am not aware that an extension of the telegraphs to Aultbea has ever been promised by the Post Office. As the result of careful inquiry it appears that the annual expense would far exceed the revenue; and the Post Office, therefore, has no power to make the extension unless a guarantee be forthcoming. The terms of the guarantee have been stated to several applicants; and if the hon. Member would like to obtain them, perhaps he will be good enough to apply to the Department.
§ MR. WEIRIs it not a fact that the landlord objects to the telegraph wires passing over his land, on the grounds that they would be injurious to the game on his estate?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI am not aware of that.