HC Deb 27 June 1938 vol 337 c1527
49. Mr. Keeling

asked the Postmaster-General how often mails are sent to the Isles of Scilly and by what means; and why the air service which plies between Penzance and the Isles several times a day is not used?

Sir W. Womersley

Mails to and from the Scilly Islands are conveyed by steamship at least three times weekly from February to October inclusive and at least twice weekly from November to January inclusive. Additional trips are provided during the summer holiday season. I am not aware of any substantial public demand for an air mail service.

Mr. Keeling

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the fact that the steamships are in Scillonian ownership is not responsible for the neglect of the air service?

Sir W. Womersley

If the people of the Scilly Islands ask for their mails to be sent by air, we shall be pleased to comply with the demand, but we understand that the fear is that if we take away the mail service from the steamers, they will not have such a regular steamer service as the islands require for travelling and carrying produce.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence for the setting up of a similar air service between Greenock and the Western Islands?