§ 43. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, owing to the withdrawal of the 4.40 train to Belfast, the English mail now leaves Armagh at 3.10 p.m. instead of 4.15 p.m. as formerly, and that the change has caused inconvenience and loss to business interests; and if he was consulted by the Great Northern Railway Company before the change was made?
§ Captain NORTONThe 4.40 p.m. train from Armagh was not under Post Office control, and there was no obligation upon the company to consult my right hon. Friend before they withdrew it.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEHave the Post Office authorities made any representations to the Great Northern Railway Company with regard to it?
§ Captain NORTONNo. I think not.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not a fact that this will cause considerable delay in the delivery of the mails and in the conveyance of mails to England, and is it not the duty of the Postmaster-General to make representations to the company?
§ Captain NORTONNo, there is no obligation on the company. We can do nothing.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHThat is not my question. My question is, whether the effect of the action of the Great Northern Railway Company will be to considerably delay the conveyance of these mails to England, and, having regard to that fact, is it not the duty of the Postmaster-General to make representations to the railway company?
§ Captain NORTONNo. I take it that there is no delay in the conveyance of the mails.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that letters have to be posted in Armagh one hour and forty minutes earlier now than formerly?
§ Captain NORTONYes, that is so, but there is a fair margin of time for replying to letters as it is.