§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether he is aware that above 90 per cent of the shares of the Inman Steamship Company are owned by American citizens; and, whether, under these circumstances, the Company receives, or will receive, a subsidy for placing any of their boats on the Admiralty list of fast cruisers available for transport or military operations in case of war?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)We were aware of the fact that, although, the Company was registered and had its headquarters in England, a large proportion of the shares are held by other than British subjects. The contract was drawn accordingly, and differs from 1579 those previously made with other Companies as regards period at which payment is made. The contract will be laid on the Table of the House.