§ MR. ARTHUR MOOREI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, what steps have been taken to remedy the irregularities in the Irish mail service both by Holyhead and Lame and Stranraer routes; and whether he would have any objection to a return being furnished showing the number of occasions on which the services have failed to catch the respective local connections in Ireland, specifying the cause of such delay in each case.
§ MR. HANBURYThe irregularity in the service viâ Holyhead has been due mainly to the trains to Holyhead on many occasions having been run in two parts. The number of passengers by the mail train seems to have largely increased since the railway company have provided third class accommodation, and the trains have run at more convenient hours. The railway company have been urged to take the best measures possible for preventing delay, and suggestions have been made to them which may effect a slight improvement. One cause of irregularity in this service has recently been removed, as the outward American mails on Wednesdays are now sent by special packet from Holyhead in advance of the ordinary mail packet. The service viâ Stranraer has been performed somewhat more regularly during the last three months, but there have been cases of delay, due mainly to pressure of traffic and severity of weather. Proposals have recently been made to the companies providing for this service with the view of effecting an improvement. Returns are being taken showing the occasions on which the mails by both routes have reached Ireland too late for the usual connections, and a copy of these returns shall, when ready, be forwarded to the hon. Member.