§ MR. LEVESON-GOWER (Sutherlandshire)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state the terms of the contract for the carriage of mails from Thurso to Bettyhill, how 433 long it has been in existence; and, if there is any loss to the Department, why new tenders are not invited.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe contract for the mail car service between Thurso and Bettyhill provides for the conveyance of mails once daily in each direction. The present contract has been in existence since the beginning of last year, and, as it is satisfactory, it is not considered advisable to invite new tenders.
§ MR. LEVESON-GOWERHas there been any loss to the Department?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes, I think so, but the difficulty is in getting a more satisfactory arrangement.