§ Colonel SANDERSasked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to substitute railway for motor transport for the delivery of letters in the portion of Somerset west of Taunton; whether he is aware that the report that such alteration is contemplated is arousing consternation in that part of the county, on account of the loss and inconvenience that would be caused by it; and whether he can see his way to adhere to the present system?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI have decided that the change referred to shall be made when the contract for the road service expires, in view of the urgent need for economy of petrol and labour. Notice will be given in due course of the revised times of delivery and collection in the district. I recognise with regret that a mail service by railway will be inferior to that now provided. But similar changes have been carried out during the past two years in many districts of not less importance, both in the West of England and elsewhere, and experience has shown that little real inconvenience has been felt when the residents have become accustomed to the change.