MARQUESS Of HAMILTONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, during July and August, the English mails carried, viâ Holyhead and Dublin, to Londonderry, and due at 10.5 a.m., were late every day; whether the delay took place in England, on the steamers, or in Ireland; whether representations have been addressed to the companies concerned; if so, with what result; and whether he is aware that these constant delays are causing loss and inconvenience to commercial interests?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware of the circumstances. The delay took place partly in England and partly in Ireland, and was mainly due to the irregular running of the Irish night mail train between London and Holyhead. I have already caused urgent representations to be made to the companies concerned, and I trust that this will result in a more punctual service. The Noble Lord will, no doubt, bear in mind that during the months in question the tourist traffic to Ireland is at its height.