§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether there is any substantial reason for longer delaying to invite new tenders for the mail service between Holyhead and Kingstown; whether accelerated speed is to be a condition of the new contract; and, if so, what speed will be required; and in case the accelerated speed necessitates the building of new ships, what time the Department judge will be requisite for that purpose?
§ MR. A. MORLEYMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that the contract for the conveyance of the mails between Holyhead and Kingstown terminates on the 30th September, 1895. The contract was made for a period of 12 years certain up to that date, and is then terminable only if 12 months' previous notice is given. The Government have at present come to no decision in the matter, but it will receive their fullest and most anxious consideration. In regard to the last paragraph, I have made careful inquiries, and I am informed that a period of 12 months is ample for the construction of vessels for such a service.
§ MR. SEXTONAs this matter deeply interests Ireland, may I press for a more definite answer? Is there anything to be gained by the delay? Can any material object be served by not at once inviting the tenders?
§ MR. A. MORLEYAs I have already stated, the Government have not yet come to a determination as to whether the contract shall be terminated. There will be ample time for the construction of new vessels if it should be determined to terminate it.
§ MR. SEXTONSeeing that at present three hours and three-quarters are taken to cover a distance of 60 miles, can there be any doubt that the service wants accelerating?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThe Government are very anxious to have the service accelerated if possible to do so on reasonable terms, but that does not mean that the contract must be terminated. There is ample time for consideration.