§ Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGHasked the Postmaster-General why the motor mail service between Ballina and Belmullet was discontinued; was there any complaint by the contractors as to the neglect of the local authorities to keep the road in order; and, if the road is put into proper order by steam-rolling and reducing dangerous culverts and corners, would the Post Office be prepared to resume sending the mails by motor, as the mail vehicle is the only way that large numbers of people have to get to and from their railway station at Ballina, nearly forty miles from Belmullet?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe reason for the discontinuance was the expense cast upon the contractor and the Post Office by the neglect of the road authority. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the third part, which is hypothetical, I can only say generally that the improvement of the road would certainly reduce the cost of running motor vehicles, and would no doubt be taken into consideration by the Congested Districts Board and the Board of Agriculture if they were asked to renew their subsidies. Should they consent to do so, the Post Office would be glad if, without breach of its present undertakings, and without its incurring an expense for conveyance of passengers with the mails greater than that for conveyance of mails alone, it could arrange for the use of motor instead of horse traction, and for the conveyance of passengers as well as mails.