§ Mr. WASONasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that communication is virtually at a standstill between Fair Isle and the mainland, Shetland; and if he will have inquiry made whether it is possible to assist the residents to obtain, motor-boat for their trade and mails?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI do not think communication can be said to be at a standstill, as mails for Fair Island were dispatched from Kirkwall on the 8th and 15th March, from Sunburgh on the 16th March and 3rd April, and from Stromness on the 9th April. There are no funds at my disposal out of which I could assist the islanders to obtain a motor-boat.
Sir L. HARMSWORTHasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the delays that are occurring in the delivery of the mails from Lairg to Tongue; that no letters were delivered in the latter place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (31st March, 1st and 2nd April); and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of this occurrence?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe mail service between Lairg and Tongue was interrupted on the 31st of March by a heavy snow storm which made the road impassable. The mails were forwarded by rail to Thurso and conveyed thence by road to Tongue, where they arrived at midday on the 2nd April. I am satisfied that the delay which occurred was unavoidable.
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Sir L. HARMSWORTHasked the Postmaster-General what townships situated between Wick and Berridale, in Caithness, are at present enjoying a daily delivery of letters; what townships enjoyed this privilege previous to the outbreak of War; and when he proposes to restore pre-war postal facilities to these districts?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHBefore the War delivery by postman was provided each weekday at the eight villages between Wick and Berridale. As a war measure these deliveries were reduced to three a week, except at Latheron and Occumster, where there would have been no saving. On the days when there is no delivery by postman letters can be obtained at the post offices. The future arrangements are still under consideration.