§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Postmaster General, during the discussion on the Mail Contracts to and from Australia, Was the attention of the Government called to the fact that the Messageries Maritimes (French) and North German Lloyd (German) Steamers have privileges allotted to them in the Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney Harbours not granted to the Peninsular and Oriental and Orient Companies; and, has any, or is it proposed to take any steps in the matter in order to remedy the anomaly?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The point referred to by the hon. Member was duly considered in making the new Australian Mail Contracts; and it has been arranged that the two British Steamship Companies carrying the mails shall be placed on equally favourable terms with the French and German Companies as regards the privileges conceded to them in Australian ports.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONWill the Postmaster General state if any steps are being taken in regard to giving the same privileges to English mail steamers at Ceylon and other Crown Colonies as are given to foreign semi-Government vessels?
§ MR. RAIKESYes; the matter is now engaging the attention of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Colonial Office.