§ MR. MILDMAYI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the ferryman at Salcombe is compelled to carry postmen and mails across the ferry between Salcombe and Portlemouth toll free; whether there is any assignable limit to the exaction of such services; whether payment was formerly made for the services rendered to the Post Office by the ferryman; and whether it is competent to the Postmaster General to allow to the ferryman adequate remuneration for his services at the present time?
§ MR. A. MORLEYAll ferrymen are bound without demanding toll to carry across ferries persons employed in conveying post letters and telegrams. The enactment on the subject is contained in Section 9 of the Post Office (Offences) Act, 1837, 1 Vict., c. 36. This section only gives effect to the general law which exempts the Crown from payment of tolls. Toll was some years ago paid under a misapprehension for the passage of a postman across the Salcombe and Portlemouth Ferry, but the ferry has 1026 been used free of toll for the last five years. I am advised that the law, as it stands, does not justify me in paying tolls for the use of ferries, but I have in some cases made a payment for exceptional services rendered by ferrymen. No such exceptional services are rendered in this case.