83. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General what sum is paid to the Highland Railway Company by way of subsidy for the conveyance of mails; if two passenger trains per day, namely, the 11.15 a.m. and the 3 p.m., going South, are scheduled as mail trains; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to all the counties north of Inverness, especially Orkney, he will enter into negotiations with the company for the dispatch of one passenger train, to be scheduled as a mail train, to leave Inverness after the arrival of the Orkney mail?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe company's remuneration is £ 55,526 a year, with a small additional payment for special services. Two passenger trains which leave Inverness for the South at 11.5 a.m. and 3.50 p.m., respectively, are scheduled as mail trains. The mails from Orkney are due to reach Inverness at 9.30 p.m.; and since the end of October last, when the 10.50 p.m. passenger train from Inverness to Perth was suspended, they have been conveyed by a new mail train leaving Inverness at 10.30 p.m. to Avie-more, and thence by a goods train to Perth. The Orkney mails are thus secured against delay. There are no funds at my disposal to meet any additional expense for providing facilities for passengers.
Mr. CATHCART WASONSeeing that the whole country north of Inverness is very much interested in this question, will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation on it?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am afraid if it is a question regarding the provision 44 of additional accommodation for passengers, the matter does not come within my province.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Board of Trade on the subject?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI will convey the desire of the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.