§ MR. LIDDELL (Down, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the acceleration in service between Derry and London via Larne and Stranraer; if he is aware that the time allocated from the departure of the train from Derry is actually twenty minutes longer than it was fourteen years ago; if he will arrange for a departure from Derry of not earlier than 5.25 p.m., and from Belfast at 7.35 p.m., to connect with the Highland express leaving Carlisle at 1.50 a.m., securing the same London delivery as at present.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that the time allowed for the service from Londonderry to London, by way of Larne, is now twenty minutes longer than it was fourteen years ago. In 1891 the service was accelerated, and the despatch from Londonderry was made at 2.50 p.m., while the arrival in London was at 7.20 a.m. Now the despatch from Londonderry is at 4 p.m., and the arrival in London 7.10 a.m. The journey, therefore, occupies one hour twenty minutes less than in 1891. I regret that I cannot see my way to arrange for the further improvement suggested by the hon. Member.