§ Mr. MOLESasked the Postmaster-General whether, as from 1st December next, the Irish mails despatched from Euston at 8.50 p.m. will arrive at Kingstown at 5.50 o'clock next morning; whether the northern portion of the mails will not reach Belfast until 9.50 a.m., though the train journey is only 120 miles; and whether arrangements can be made to have an earlier despatch of the northern mails from Kingstown so as to ensure delivery before mid-day in Belfast?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe mails will be due to arrive at Kingstown at the time stated by the hon. Member. But experience shows that the actual time of arrival must vary according to the conditions both of the land and sea journey, and of the transfers at Holyhead and Kingstown. It is, as yet, too soon to arrive at the average actual time of arrival. But after Christmas the question whether an earlier arrival at Belfast can be arranged without additional expenditure will be reviewed.