96. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General what action has been taken to remedy the delays in the Shetland mail service caused by the steamers calling along at Wick and Orkney; and if the repeated delays are causing inconvenience and loss to the whole group of Shetland Isles?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Certain proposals for an improvement in the steamer services to the Shetland Islands have been made, and are under consideration. I will inform the hon. Member as soon as a decision is reached.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI will consider whether there is any objection. At first sight I see no objection.
97. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the recent fatal accident caused by the conveyance of His Majesty's mails between Whalsay and the mainland, the action of 896 the contractors in sending the mails by a small boat was authorised by the Post Office; if he will inquire whether the contractors have in any way compensated the relatives of the deceased for the loss of their bread-winners; and, if not, will he reconsider his decision as to the liability of the Post Office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe contractors for the Mail Packet Service were allowed on this, as on previous similar occasions, to carry the mails between the mainland of Shetland and Whalsay Island by boat. The arrangement is of old standing, and I am informed that no similar disaster has occurred within living memory. When I inquired of the contractors soon after the accident they had not received any claims for compensation in respect of the deceased boatmen; but I am inquiring again. Much as I regret this accident I can see no ground on which I should be justified in imposing any liability on the taxpayer.