§ COLONEL PHILIPPS (Southampton)To ask the Postmaster-General, if he can state approximately how many of the 1,300 mail bags ordinarily brought over by the White Star mail boats are for Ireland, the North of England, and Scotland, how many for London and the South of England, and how many for the Continent.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The approximate numbers are as follows—
| Ireland | 100 |
| Scotland | 97 |
| North Midlands and North West England | 148 |
| London | 125 |
| South England | 26 |
| England unsorted | 104 |
| Continent | 710 |
§ I am obtaining further information as to the amount of correspondence contained in the bags, which vary considerably in size.
COLONEL PHILIPPSTo ask the Postmaster-General whether, under the new proposals for White Star Line sailings, there will be an acceleration of the home mails for the South and West of England and London; and, if so, whether, under these circumstances, he will before recommending any reversion to the old arrangements, carefully consider the great benefits accruing to London and the South of England under the new proposals.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) There will be an acceleration in the mails for the South and West of England and for London by the inward mail steamers; but there will be delay in the mails to various other parts of the United Kingdom, especially in the case of Scotland and Ireland. The whole question has been receiving my careful consideration.