VISCOUNT DUNGANNONasked the noble Duke the Postmaster General whether any final arrangements had been made by the Government with the Dublin Steam Packet Company, relative to the postal and passenger communication between Holy-head and Kingstown; what was the nature of such arrangements; and how soon they were likely to be carried into effect? He thought it essential that the steamers should be of larger size than those at present employed.
THE DUKE OF ARGYLLsaid, it was natural that noble Lords connected with Ireland should take a deep interest in this subject. He was happy to inform the House that another and an amended proposal had been made by the Government to the Company about a week ago, with a view of securing a more rapid communication between London and Dublin. No answer had yet been returned by the Company, and he, therefore, thought it inexpedient to enter into details of the proposed arrangement. Suffice it to say, the Government was anxious to do all in its power to remedy the inconvenience complained of; but on some of those points the greatest difficulty had arisen. He must point out to the House that it undoubtedly tended to encourage companies in making undue demands when they heard it stated by Members of both Houses of Parliament that considerations of economy were of no moment on questions of this kind. They naturally expected that the pressure of the Irish Members would secure them a larger amount of public money than was due to them, and this much increased the difficulties of the Government in dealing with them.
THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDEsaid, he did not object to economy, but he looked on the subject in question as so important, that economy was scarcely a consideration. It was not a mere question of carrying the mails, but of facilitating intercourse between the two countries. He trusted, therefore, that his noble Friend would not take the Parliamentary view of the subject, but the more extended national one. Moreover, the matter was scarcely one of economy, because when the Government did it some ten years since without the aid of any company, it was done infinitely better. The average passage of the Llewellyn on the Holyhead station in 418 trips was four hours and eleven minutes, and the Banshee four 400 hours and seven minutes, for that which now took four hours and a half. What was wanted was, that not only should letters go quicker, but that there should be plentiful personal accommodation for the passenger public.
EARL FITZWILLIAMbore testimony to the inconvenience of the boats now employed, as regarded the hours of starting.
VISCOUNT DUNGANNONsaid a few words in reply. Speedy communication between London and Dublin was all-important, and the public had a right to expect it.
THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDEcomplained of the inconvenient manner in which passengers were landed on the quay at Kingstown. This was done nearly in the dark, and amidst the utmost confusion. This might be remedied by a very little extra expense.
THE DUKE OF ARGYLLsaid, this rested entirely with the companies; but it was part of the proposed arrangements that jetties should be provided. The mail packets, of necessity, left and arrived at a certain hour, without reference to the convenience of passengers, which was, however, considered as far as possible. It was probable that the whole correspondence would soon be laid before the House.
§ House adjourned at Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.