§ MR. M'ARTHUR (Leicester)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the subsidy for the conveyance of Mails to the British Settlements on the Gambia has been withdrawn from the British and African Steam Navigation Company; whether an arrangement for the transference of the Mails has been made with a French Company viâ Bordeaux and Dakan; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government will consider the expediency of re-establishing direct Mail communication between this Country and the Gambia?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)The subsidy of £1,200 a-year has been withdrawn. It was paid by Gambia, in addition to the sea postage of 4d. per letter, and a remission of port dues. No other West African Government pays a subsidy; and, owing to the financial condition of the Colony, my right hon. Predecessor (Mr. E. Stanhope) found it necessary, among other economies, to place the Gambia Mail arrangements on the same footing as those of the other West African Colonies. No contract has been made with a French or any other Company. I may add that I have received an offer from the British and African Steam Navigation Company to carry the mails temporarily at a reduced subsidy, which will receive my careful consideration; but, as at present advised, I doubt whether the Colony can afford to pay any subsidy. Papers will be presented on the subject.
§ LORD CLAUD HAMILTON (Liverpool, West Derby)I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman, Whether he will give an undertaking that no final settlement of this matter will be arrived at until the House has had an opportunity of considering it?
§ SIR HENRY HOLLANDNo, Sir; I do not think that I can give that undertaking.