§ Sir JOHN DEWARasked the Postmaster-General if he was aware that the postman on the Inch route from Kingussie was compelled by the Department to discontinue the use of a horse cart and adopt a bicycle, for which this route was quite unsuited, being for many weeks under water or blocked by snow; was he aware that during last winter the road was impassable for a bicycle for many weeks, and a horse and trap had to be hired at considerable additional expense; and whether, under the circumstances, he would reconsider his decision and permit this postman again to use a horse and trap?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I am aware that a bicycle is now used on this post, the weight conveyed being quite insufficient to justify the expense of a horse and cart. The new arrangements were explained to the hon. Member by my predecessor, and I am assured that they are working satisfactorily; and, as they also provide for an additional despatch from Feshiebridge for which application has been made, I see no reason for reverting to the old service. The hire of a horse and trap when cycling is not practicable is a part of the new arrangement, and, notwithstanding this special expense, there is a substantial saving in expenditure on the post, the cost of which in any case will greatly exceed the revenue.