HC Deb 05 April 1927 vol 204 cc1887-8
73. Sir ROBERT LYNN

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British or Free State Government will be responsible for the safety of mails during their transit through Free State territory?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The British Post Office will pay compensation for loss or damage of postal packets in transit between Great Britain and Northern Ireland within the limits and under the conditions applicable to the inland postal service; and the question of the liability of the Free State Post Office depends upon the circumstances of each case.

74. Sir R. LYNN

asked the Postmaster-General whether the mails sent to Northern Ireland via Holyhead and Dublin will be handled in the Free State by British or Free State postal officials?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The answer is "By neither." The contract with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway for the steamer service provides that the mails shall be transferred by the railway company's servants from the ship into the train. There will be no further handling in the Free State.

75. Sir R. LYNN

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the mails from Great Britain to Northern Ireland sent via Stranraer reach Belfast about the same time as those dispatched via Holyhead and Dublin, he will consider the advisability of adhering to the Stranraer route?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

No, Sir. The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland has already stated that after prolonged conferences with the railway authorities his Government decided to request that the Holyhead route should be reverted to for the present because of the anticipated benefit, not so much to the mails from Great Britain to Northern Ireland as to those from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. These mails should in future connect with the first instead of the second delivery in Central London.

Sir R. LYNN

Is the application for a temporary service via Holyhead, and can the right hon. Gentleman accelerate the service via Fleetwood and Stranraer?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I understand the Government of Northern Ireland were in conference with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and considered not only the alternative to Stranraer but several other alternatives suggested as well.