§ MR. ANDERSONasked the Postmaster General, Whether it be the fact that on the 26th September 1876, he issued a Circular announcing the abandonment of monopoly in the American Mail Service, that thereafter only monthly arrangements would be entered into, based on efficiency of service, and that the payments would be equivalent to the rates paid by the American Government, viz., 2s. 4d. per pound for letters, and 2d. per pound for newspapers; whether it be the fact that during the Recess the monopoly has been re-established, excluding some of the Companies which had been doing the service at these rates, and paying the favoured Companies 4s. per pound for letters, and 4d. per pound for newspapers, or nearly double the rates recently paid by us, and still paid by the American Government, for a service without monopoly; and, if he will state his reasons for taking what seems to be a retrograde step, how long the now monopoly is to last, and whether the contract is to be laid upon the Table for confirmation by the House?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSSir, it is a fact that in September 1876 the Circular as mentioned was issued, and that arrangements were made for carrying 319 letters at the rate of 2s. per lb., and newspapers at the rate of 4d. It is also the fact that since then, during the Recess, a new agreement has been made with the Cunard, Inman, and White Star Lines, that they shall be paid at the rate of 4s. per lb. for letters and 4d. per lb. for newspapers. The alteration was rendered necessary by the owners of the fast vessels declining any longer to provide the service required; and the mails, therefore, had to be sent by the slower vessels or a change made. The arrangement is for 12 months certain, terminable at six months' notice, and therefore there is no contract which must be laid upon the Table for confirmation by the House.
§ MR. ANDERSONAs the answer is unsatisfactory I give Notice that I shall bring the subject before the House.