§ Sir FRANCIS CHANNINGasked the Postmaster-General whether he will now consider the advisability of rearranging the American mail service so as to secure the despatch of mails by the fastest steamers, irrespective of the lines to which steamers belong, and at such intervals as will result in the mails being delivered in the United States in more regular and punctual succession; and whether he will favourably consider the proposal that the faster steamers shall not call at Queens-town?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONI have given, and continue to give, careful consideration to the points raised by my hon. Friend. Mails for the United States of America are at present despatched by the most regular services available, namely, the contract services of the Cunard and White Star lines. It would not be possible, under present conditions, to send mails by the fastest ship on every occasion, without sacrificing the regularity of the service. Correspondence specially addressed for conveyance by foreign steamers is, 1641W however, always sent as addresed; and it is thus open to the public to ensure the despatch of their correspondence by any steamer. The proposal which has been made for the omission of the call at Queenstown in the case of the faster steamers would necessitate the posting of correspondence for the United States of America on Friday night or very early on Saturday morning throughout the United Kingdom, with the exception of Liverpool or places in the immediate neighbourhood; while even under the most favourable condition, the correspondence so sent would not be delivered in New York until late on Thursday afternoon. Under the present arrangement, letters can be posted on Saturday at mid-day or later in London and most parts of the country, and, when conveyed by the faster steamers, should usually be delivered on Friday morning. It appears, therefore, that under present circumstances, the alteration would, on the whole, be disadvantageous to the public.