§ MR. J. G. WEIRI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that during the tenure of the present Government there have been no extensions of the telegraph system in the western mainland of Ross-shire and in the Island of Lewis; and that for some time past there has been no additional expenditure in improving the postal facilities there; and whether, seeing that the development of the fishing industry is of great importance to the people of these districts, and that to a certain extent it is dependent upon better telegraphic and postal facilities, the Treasury will waive or modify its rule which requires guarantees, and give to the Postmaster General discretionary power to deal with the needs of districts where the people are unable to provide guarantees?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI will ask the hon. Gentleman to put the question to the Postmaster General; it is a matter he is more familiar with than I am.
§ MR. WEIRI have already put the question to the Postmaster General; but the Chancellor of the Exchequer holds the purse-strings so tightly that it is impossible for the Postmaster General to do anything. Therefore, I ask the right hon. Gentleman to relax the stringent rules laid down by the Treasury.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERMy hon. Friend knows that this is a matter in which I have taken a personal interest. I will see what can be done.