90. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the fact that for months past Shetland has been inconvenienced and suffered loss through the inability or unwillingness of the mail contractors to carry out the provisions of the contract when the mail contract expired; if the Post Office authorities before its expiry made any attempt to enforce its provisions; and if he will, before entering into any arrangement with the North of Scotland Steamship Company or other companies, consult with the provost and town council of Lerwick?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The departure made by the contractors from the terms of their contract must be attributed to circumstances over which they had no control. Under existing conditions no fresh formal arrangement is practicable, but I will consider any suggestions for improving the existing circumstances which the town council of Lerwick care to address to me.