§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, having regard to the fact that the packet services on the west coast of Scotland are stated by the Postmaster General, under letter dated 9th June, 1899, to have been established in order to afford facilities for trade and passengers, as well as to provide for the conveyance of the mails, and seeing that the boat which conveys the mails between Kyle of Lochalsh and Stornoway is forty years old, and provides most inadequate accommodation, will he consider the expediency of arranging for a more modern boat to be placed on the service.
§ MR. HANBURYAlthough in the letter quoted by the hon. Member reference was made to facilities for passengers, it is hardly the province of the Post Office to call upon the contractor to provide improved passenger accommodation. The contractor would no doubt demand an increased subsidy if he were requested to supply a more modern boat for the Kyle and Stornoway service, and in view of the loss already incurred in connection with this service, the Postmaster General regrets that he does not see his way to take any steps in the direction indicated. It is understood that the boat usually employed in the service is nearly forty years old, but that she was lengthened and fitted with new engines a few years ago, and is regarded as a good sea boat. It is stated that she is certified to be capable of convoying 360 passengers, with sleeping accommodation for forty-seven. The average number of passengers during the last twelve months was about twenty-five a day in each direction.