Mr. BECKETTasked the Postmaster-General whether the Government of India makes any payments to British mail steamers which carry Indian mails; if so, what amount is paid annually and to what steamship companies; and for what term of years the agreement is in force?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As regards mails from and to this country, the Government of India do not make any payments directly to British mail steamers, but contribute to the subsidy which is paid by the Postmaster1134W General to the Peninsular and Oriental Company for the Eastern Mail Service. The amount of the contribution in 1924 was £33,500. The contract is terminable on two years' notice. As regards other Indian mails, the particulars asked for by the hon. Member are shown in the Annual Report of the Indian Posts and Telegraphs (Appendix XI), of which I shall be happy to supply him with a copy if he so desires.