HC Deb 19 March 1895 vol 31 cc1374-5
MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that the Postmaster General reports inability, owing to the rules of the Treasury, to extend telegraphic and postal communication in many parts of the western mainland of Ross-shire and in the island of Lewis without guarantees, which the places named are unable to give, and seeing that the circumstances of the people of these districts are quite exceptional, and that the development of the fishing industry is of great national and local importance, the Treasury will waive or modify the regulations so that the Postmaster General may have discretionary powers to deal with such cases?

SIR W. HARCOURT

This is a subject in which I have taken a great personal interest, owing to my intimate acquaintance with the west Highlands and islands, and have in former times done something to promote telegraphic communication in those remote regions. I recognise that their circumstances are quite exceptional; but the accommodation is also exceptional, and telegraphic communication is there given to an extent which certainly is not afforded in other parts of the United Kingdom to anything like the same extent under similar conditions.

MR. WEIR

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will make no effort to put the people of these parts in a better position as to postal and telegraphic communication?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I have already made a considerable effort.

MR. J. G. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that the Scottish Office has no funds at its disposal for the construction of footpaths and roads in populous parts of the Island of Lewis and the western mainland of Ross-shire, and that the local authority is unable to provide funds for the construction of such footpaths and roads, the Treasury will put the Scottish Office in possession of means to carry out the unfinished footpaths and roads commenced in 1893, more especially those between townships and public schools?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to refer to page 496 of the Estimates for the coming year, he will find that provision has been made for the purposes in question.