§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he can say how long have the negotiations between himself and the railway companies in reference to the proposed change in the mail between Belfast and London already taken; and when he thinks they will be completed.
LORD STANLEYI have for some time past been in communication with the railway companies respecting an improvement in the mail service from Belfast to England, but I am afraid I cannot say when a decision will be arrived at. I should perhaps explain that I am endeavouring to arrange for a later despatch of the present mail by the Larne and Stranraer route, as the improvement which could thus be effected would be more general than that to be gained by the establishment of a new service viâ Greenore. As the hon. Member is aware, several companies are concerned in the service by this route, and more time is therefore occupied in the negotiations.