HC Deb 15 June 1846 vol 87 cc481-2

In reply to a question from MR. P. MILES,

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

stated that Government having thought it necessary that there should be more frequent communication than heretofore between this country and North America, were about entering into a contract in order to the attainment of this object with the Messrs. Cunard. The contract was not yet absolutely signed, but every thing was prepared, and the negotiation was in a state of forwardness.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

did not see on what principle the Halifax Company should have the monopoly of the passenger traffic between this country and America. The Great Western Steam Packet Company, who had launched the Great Britain steamboat, had strong claims on the public and Government; and why should they be overlooked? The contract should certainly be open to competition.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

explained the grounds on which the Government considered the claims of Messrs. Cunard paramount to others. In the year 1838 the Messrs. Cunard were the persons who took the contract for establishing steam communication between this country and North America. In that contract, which was to last for ten or twelve years, as well as he could recollect, provision was made for the ultimate establishment (if it should be found necessary) of weekly communications. Up to this time, however, the Government had been content with a fortnightly communication only; but now that it appeared desirable to establish the weekly system, the Government certainly did think that the claim of the Messrs. Cunard was superior to that of any other parties.

MR. MILES

moved for the production of copies of the contract, and of all papers which had passed on this subject between the Government and Messrs. Cunard.

Agreed to.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

hoped that, if the papers in question were to be laid on the Table, they would be accompanied by a statement of the manner in which the duties imposed by the contract had heretofore been performed by the Messrs. Cunard. He believed that it would be found that those duties had been performed in a very satisfactory manner.