3. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, if he is aware that owing to the action of the Admiralty the contractors of the Post Office have abandoned their contract for the conveyance of the Orkney mail and now demand a 50 per cent. increase for a greatly reduced and unsatisfactory service; and whether he will consent to carrying mails by the Admiralty on the days when the mail boat does not run?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANaval requirements have necessitated a change in the route specified in the Post Office contract, and it is understood that the service has been reduced by the General Post Office to three days a week instead of six. I am afraid the Admiralty cannot undertake the carrying of mails as suggested in the latter part of the question.
Mr. WASONIn consideration of the circumstances of the case will the Admiralty discuss with the Postmaster-General the commandeering of a ship for this purpose of public use?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot undertake to carry mails.