§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware that the London and North-Western Railway Company, which is receiving special subsidies for accelerating the Irish mail service, are now running their mail trains slow with the professed object of saving coal; whether he is aware that the connections for the trains to the different parts of Ireland are thereby missed, with consequent inconvenience to the travelling public and also to the commercial community in Ireland; whether the action of the London and North-Western Company has the further result of involving the Post Office in payment of special trains in addition to the special subsidies which are not being earned; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The facts are generally as stated by the hon. Member except as regards the question of expense to the Post Office. Such an interruption of industry as is due to the coal strike must inevitably have its effect upon postal communication, which is, of course, dependent on the maintenance of the regular train service of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that the London and North-Western Railway Company is drawing this subsidy for which it is not giving value?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir; the subsidies are modified in accordance with the service given in certain cases. I cannot say, in the particular case the hon. Member has in mind, whether any subsidies are paid, but the Post Office is economising the service in view of the fewer mail trains which are being run.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIf the railway company does not give value in accordance with their contract, can the railway company be placed under any penalty?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe Post Office is a very economical Department; we have a very careful eye upon each case.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHThat does not answer my question.