§ MR. HARMSWORTH (Caithnessshire)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that about two years ago a light railway was opened between Wick and Lybster, in the county of Caithness; and whether, in view of the recent expiry of the contract for the carriage by road of the mails between these two places, he can see his way to arrange that in future the mails for Wick and Lybster, and all intervening places, shall be carried by the more expeditious means of the railway.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) I have now made full inquiry on the question of forwarding the mails between Wick and Lybster by train instead of by road, and I have been in communication with the railway company on the subject. It appears, however, that they cannot arrange for a train service at suitable, hours except at considerable expense; and, as pointed out in a letter which I addressed to the hon. Member in April last, I should not be justified in making special payment for such a service. The use of the trains as at present running would on the whole greatly impair the postal service at all the places on the line, and I regret that, in the circumstances, it is not practicable to make any change in the present arrangements for the conveyance of the mails.