HC Deb 26 July 1909 vol 8 cc832-3
Captain DONELAN

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that of the 401 sacks of American mails carried by the "Lucania," which arrived at Queenstown Harbour at 2.45 p.m. on Tuesday, 13th instant, only the West of England and the Irish mails, consisting of 113 sacks, were landed at Queenstown, the I remainder being carried on to Liverpool, although the whole mail could have been landed in time to have them despatched by train at 5 p.m., which would have enabled letters to have reached London and other English centres in time for early morning delivery on Wednesday, thus allowing the whole of that day for replies by the White Star mail from London that night, leaving Queenstown on Thursday; whether he is aware that, owing to the remaining portion of the mail having been carried on to Liverpool, the London letters did not reach the General Post Office until 12.40 p.m. on Wednesday, thereby giving less than half a day for replies instead of a whole day; and, in view of the condition which permits a special through service, provided a mail can be landed at Queens-town so as to admit of its departure before 6 p.m., can he say why a special through service was not availed of upon the occasion referred to?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Sydney Buxton)

The mail brought by the "Lucania" on 13th July was only a small mail, supplementary to that brought to Plymouth by the "Oceanic" on the same date, and under the standing regulations governing the transmission of inward American mails, the special through service from Queenstown is not used for such small mails. The portion which would have benefited by a special through service to London consisted of only 65 bags, and the expense of a special service would not have been justified.

Captain DONELAN

Is there any fixed number of sacks which would warrant a special service?

Mr. BUXTON

This was not up to the number of sacks which would justify a special service. If the hon. Member will put down a further question I will send for further information.

Captain DONELAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say with whom the decision rests?

Mr. BUXTON

It rests with the Post Office.

Captain DONELAN

With the right hon. Gentleman himself.

Mr. BUXTON

As to whether there ought to be a special service?

Captain DONELAN

Yes.

Mr. BUXTON

Of course, we do it in conjunction with the railway companies. In the last resort it rests with myself.