MR. H. BERKELEYsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any application has been made by the present Contractors for performing the Mail service between this country and the Australian Colonies to obtain any remission of the existing penalties, or any modification as to the size of the vessels employed; the extension of the term of the said Contract; or any other alteration in the conditions thereof?
§ MR. G. A. HAMILTONsaid, the Treasury had some time since been in communication with the European and Australian Steam Packet Company, in consequence of strong representations made to them by a 2016 deputation from Australia, headed by Sir Charles Nicholson, the object of which was to recommend the Government to allow the amalgamation of that Company with the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, and for an extension of the contract. That amalgamation had since been broken off. The Directors of the European and Australian Steam Packet Company then opened further communications with the Treasury, combining to some extent these objects, with a further extension of the service. But having lately seen the resolutions which the shareholders adopted at a general meeting for the dissolution and winding up of the Company, he had felt it his duty to suspend all further communications on this subject.
§ MR. DIVETTsaid, he hoped the hon. Gentleman would tell the House whether any arrangements were in contemplation to secure a regular communication with Australia.
§ MR. G. A. HAMILTONsaid, the circumstances in which the Company were placed, in consequence of the resolutions of the shareholders, rendered it necessary for the Government to proceed with caution; but he could assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government had considered, and were prepared to take, the necessary steps that communication with Australia should not be interrupted.