§ MR. W. KENNY (Dublin, St Stephen's Green)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, in arranging the conditions on which new tenders will be asked for the mail services between Loudon and Kingstown, the principles laid down in the Treasury Minute of the 19th of October, 1855, will be acted on by providing for the most perfect passenger communication, and the use on the cross channel passage of large and commodious steamboats ensuring the greatest comfort, convenience, and speed; and if it will be made a condition that the mileage rate of passenger fares by both railway and steamboat shall not exceed the current mileage rate of passenger fares by unsubsidised express trains between London and Edinburgh?
§ *MR. A. MORLEYThe comfort and convenience of passengers will not be overlooked, and parties tendering will be asked to give particulars of the accommodation for passengers which they are prepared to provide, as well as of the dimensions and sea-going capabilities of the vessels offered. I am afraid I can give no pledge that the passenger fares between London and Dublin shall be adjusted to the current rates chargeable between London and Edinburgh.
§ MR. W. KENNYWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give out the tenders?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI cannot say. The matter is being very carefully considered.
§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)Is the question of acceleration by land as well as by sea being considered?
§ MR. A. MORLEYYes.
§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)Will an effort be made to provide third class carriages on these lines?
§ *MR. A. MORLEYThat is not a matter which affects the Post Office, and could not be made a condition of the contract.
§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)What degree of acceleration will be required? Will it be specified in the forms of tender?
§ MR. A. MORLEYWe propose to ask for tenders at varying rates of acceleration.