§ Captain DONELANasked, with reference to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman to a deputation from Ireland on 31st March, namely, that of the mails carried by the "Lusitania" and "Mauretania" the Irish proportion only amounted to about 10 per cent., while the other 90 per cent, was for Great Britain, is not a large proportion of Continental mail matter included in this 90 per cent.; and, if so, can he state the exact proportion?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe 90 per cent, includes mails for the Continent and elsewhere in transit through this country, as well as mails for all parts of Great Britain. As almost all the mails for the Continent and places abroad have to pass through London, the same considerations apply in regard to the importance of early arrival in London as in the case of those whose destination is England. An analysis of several recent mails brought by the "Lusitania" and "Mauretania" shows that 7 per cent, of mails were for Ireland, 42 per cent, for Great Britain, and 51 per cent, for the Continent and other places abroad
§ Captain DONELANIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, is it not the fact that the proportion of Irish mails is in reality far larger than 10 per cent.?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, as compared with the mails to Great Britain; but compared with the mails despatched to London for delivery elsewhere, and whose early arrival is very necessary, the proportion is only 7 per cent, against 93 per cent.
§ Captain DONELANWhy should Continental mails be included in the comparison between the proportions of Ireland and Great Britain?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELBecause international obligations rest on the British Post Office to secure the earliest possible expedition in forwarding the mails abroad.