MR. GILPINsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, If any decision has been arrived at as to the substitution of another island for that of St. Thomas as the Harbour and Depôt of the West India and Pacific Mails; and, if he will consent that no change or renewal of the existing contract shall be sanctioned by the Government till the whole subject has been submitted to the examination of a Committee of this House, with power to take evidence?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHSir, it has been proposed by the Government to extend the existing contract for a limited period but in the contract provision is made for the substitution of some other station for St. Thomas, and the Government have been collecting information on the subject and are about to take it into consideration, with the view of arriving at an early decision. It would not conduce to a speedy or satisfactory decision if the matter were now submitted to a Committee of this House. The hon. Member must recollect that, in accordance with the usual 816 practice, the contract, when completed, must be submitted to the House for its approval, and the best course will be to follow the usual precedent in such cases.