§ MR. D. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has recently received a Petition from the Chambers of Commerce of Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, Newport, Llanelly, Falmouth, Plymouth, and other towns, asking for a later mail train between Cardiff and Bristol; if he is aware that, in order to catch the first morning delivery in London, letters have to be posted earlier at some of the leading commercial centres in South Wales than in English towns double the distance from the Metropolis; whether he is aware that the Postmaster General in office three years ago undertook to consider this matter "on the first favourable opportunity which presents itself;" and whether no opportunity of placing Welsh towns in the same position as English has since presented itself in respect of postal facilities?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI have received no recent Petitions from the Chambers of Commerce referred to, but I am aware of the facts stated in the question. The matter has been before me more than once during the past year, and com- 1437 munications with the Railway Company have taken place; but the change would involve not merely an alteration of hours, but additional train service, which would be attended by a large increase of expenditure such as I have not seen my way to recommend.