§ 97. Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Postmaster-General, having regard to the facts that Glasgow is the terminus of the West Highland Railway and the most important centre of commerce doing business with the Western Highlands and Islands, whether he will invite the postmaster of that city to submit his observations for the improvement of the mail service in those localities?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe mail services to the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland are kept constantly under observation with a view to improvement being effected where practicable, and the views of the Postmaster of Glasgow would be obtained in any case in which it might be desirable. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular locality and will communicate with me on the subject I will have inquiry made.
§ 98. Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider what steps can be taken to improve the postal service to and from the Island of Benbecula, having in view the conditions of the present service across the ford from North Uist?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELFurther consideration is being given to the matter and I will communicate with the hon. Member on the subject.
§ 99. Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to give a reply to the scheme forwarded to him by the Uist and Barra Association of Glasgow embodying an improved mail service for those islands; and whether the Secretary to the Post Office for Scotland has been invited to submit any scheme for the improvement of that service?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe scheme suggested by the Uist and Barra Associa- 366 tion of a daily service by steamer from Mallaig received careful consideration, and the Secretary to the Post Office for Scotland has instructions to consider and report on any project for the improvement of this and similar services. But I do not see my way to adopt a scheme which involves an increase of expenditure in view of the very heavy cost of the existing service.