§ Mr. LAMONTasked the Postmaster-General what was the subsidy paid during the financial year 1908-9 to the Caledonian and Glasgow and South-Western Railway Companies respectively for the Ardrossan and Arran mail service; what were the summer and winter services to be provided by the companies in the same year; and whether he has made any alteration either in the amount of the subsidy or the mail service to be performed during the current financial year?
§ Mr. BUXTONA payment of £500 a year has since July, 1907, been made to the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company in respect of the Ardrossan and Arran Mail Service and a service between Greenock and Rothesay. The arrangement with the company provides for two trips a day on the Arran service during the period from 1st June to 30th September, and one trip a day during the remainder of the year. A payment of £25 a year has, since January, 1908, been made to the Caledonian Steam Packet Company for the conveyance of mails by any steamers the company run between Ardrossan and 908 Arran, but the Post Office has no control over the running of these steamers. No alteration has been made in the amount of the payment to either company in regard to the current financial year, and I am not aware that any alteration in the frequency of the steamer services is contemplated. I will, however, make inquiry on this point.
§ Mr. LAMONTWas the contract by the Glasgow and South-Western Railway for the winter months fulfilled satisfactorily?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have received no complaints. If the hon. Member has any complaint to send me I will make inquiry into the matter.