38. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General if he received a 1989 letter from the town council of Lerwick in August last drawing attention to the state of the Shetland mail service, in breach of the promise made by the Post Office in January that the service would be improved, letters having recently taken more than a week to reach Lerwick from Edinburgh; whether he is aware that he promised the council that the matter should have attention; whether he has yet ascertained by inquiry that a regular service is not only practicable but also necessary; and, if not, will he state when he expects to have inquiries made and a reasonable service instituted?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I have received a letter on the subject from the Lerwick Town Council, and I hope shortly to be in a position to send a reply. My hon. Friend cannot be unaware of the difficulties now existing which affect the mail service to Shetland. A service which might not be reasonable in peace time may be unavoidable now.
§ 39. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the morning delivery of letters in the district lying between Dyffryn and Penrhyn-dendraeth, in the county of Merioneth, has since the 1st October been two hours late; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the public, he will take steps to secure the arrival of the mails at the regular hour?
§ Mr. SAMUELI am having inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.