39. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Postmaster-General whether any and, if so, what restrictions have recently been made in the mail services to the western islands of Scotland?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe following are the principal restrictions: The Island of Mull has a service on four days a week, with certain additional trips between Tobermory and Oban, instead of every week-day; the Islands of Coll and Tirce and the Outer Hebrides, with the exception of Lewis, have a service on two days a week instead of three; and the Islands of Lewis and Skye have a service on three days a week instead of every week-day.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these restrictions have very severely limited the means of communication between the islands and the mainland, and have inflicted not only much inconvenience but also serious loss upon the inhabitants?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am afraid that restrictions of the kind are necessary.
§ Sir J. DEWARDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the postal service to the Outer Hebrides is now two days a week instead of three? Is it not a fact that the Outer Hebrides formerly had a daily service?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat is not my information.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly look into the case of Rhum?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, Sir.
65. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that communications with the western islands of Scotland have recently been restricted, to the loss of the inhabitants; and whether he proposes to take any steps to maintain an adequate service of communications?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)I have received various representations on this subject, and am in communication with the Treasury and the Postmaster-General.