Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General if he has received Petitions from the county council of Kirkwall and from the Royal burgh of Kirkwall with reference to the acceleration of the mail service between Inverness and Thurso and Wick; and, in view of the fact that during the tourist season the mails and passengers for the counties of Caithness and Orkney are constantly detained for hours, he will take steps to so modify the contract with the Highland Railway Company that the said delays shall not take place?
Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTHalso asked if the Postmaster-General had received Petitions with reference to acceleration of the mail service between Inverness and Thurso and Wick, and if he will cause an inquiry to be held with the view of attaining this object?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have received the Petitions to which my hon. Friends refer. The necessity for improving the mail train service in the North of Scotland has been urged upon the Highland Railway Company, and they anticipate that the arrangements which they have in view will result in a more punctual service, though not an accelerated service being afforded during the coming season.
Mr. CATHCART WASONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the acceleration is carried out during this season?
§ Mr. BUXTONWe will do our best; I am afraid I cannot say more.