§ 78. Sir ROBERT LYNNasked the Postmaster-General whether he has received complaints from Ulster regarding the postal services between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; whether he is aware that the service is much worse than it was in pre-War days; and whether he can state what steps the Government intends to take in order to remove these, grievances?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER. GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The possibility of accelerating the Stranraer service has been pursued with the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company but there are considerable practical difficulties. In view of the circumstances, I am informed by the Government of Northern Ireland that they have decided that the interests of Northern Ireland will best be served if the London mails are forwarded via Holyhead and Kingstown, and arrangements are accordingly being made to put this service into effect at an early date. I anticipate that this will remove any further cause for complaint as to late arrival of the mail in Belfast.
§ Captain STREATFEILDIs the Noble Lord aware that on the Northern route to Northern Ireland the sea journey takes a very much longer time, and that the journey is much shorter via Stranraer; that the Stranraer port authorities expedite the shipping of the mails in every possible way, and that the delay is occa- 566 sioned more at Carlisle than anywhere else? Can he make representations to the railway authorities to speed up the passage through Carlisle of these mail vans?
§ Viscount WOLMERThis matter has been dealt with as a result of conversations between the Postmaster-General, the railway company and the Government of Northern Ireland, and I understand that they are quite satisfied that what has been done will be the best plan.
§ Sir R. LYNNIs the Noble Lord aware that three weeks ago the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland made a strong speech in favour of having the mails sent by the Stranraer route?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir.