QUESTION. (Hansard, 24 August 1857)

MR. CORRY
said, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the terms of the contract for improving the communication between London and Dublin has been finally settled; and, if so, whether the contract has been executed? Also, what steps the Government have taken towards providing suitable accommodation and the necessary appliances for the embarkation and landing of mails and passengers at Kingstown and Holyhead.

MR. WILSON
Sir, I am very glad to be able to inform the right hon. Gentleman and the House that at last this long-pending negotiation has been brought to a close. The conditions of the contract have been signed on the one hand by the Marquess of Chandos, on behalf of the London and North Western Company; by Mr. Stanley, on behalf of the Chester and Holyhead Company; and by Mr. Watson, on the part of the City of Dublin Navigation Company. It only remains, therefore, formally to execute the contract. With regard to the other part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, every means will be taken to accelerate the arrangements at Holyhead and Kingstown, in order that all things may be in a state of completeness by the time the new boats are built.

MR. CORRY
When does the contract come into execution?

MR. WILSON
The longest time that can elapse before it comes into execution is two years, but I hope it will come into operation within a shorter period than that. But, considering that four very large vessels will have to be built, and very extensive arrangements to be made, two years was the shortest period which the Government could allow for the completion of the contract.

§ SIR DENHAM NORREYS
May I ask the hon. Gentleman how many years has the Treasury been occupied with these negotiations?

MR.WILSON
said, that the Act of Parliament which authorised these arrangements was passed two years ago, namely, in the Session of 1855; and within about six weeks from the close of the Session, a Minute was issued by the Treasury, although it was no part of their duty, inviting the various Companies to co-operate with the Post Office in carrying the proposed arrangements into effect. Since that time, therefore, the negotiations had been going on, and he thought that those who knew anything of the complications of the interests involved would not be surprised at the settlement having been so long deferred.