§ MR. JOHN HOLMSasked the Postmaster General, What Ocean Postal Contracts are terminable in 1876, and if the requisite notice has been given for their conclusion; and, if so, whether, having regard to the fact that ship owners competent to enter upon such contracts must have time given to them for preparation, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to call for tenders for the ful- 1808 filment of these services; and, whether, seeing that steamers depart almost daily for the United States of America, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to avail themselves, so far as practicable, of any eligible vessel, and give no further subsidies for the conveyance of mails to that Country?
§ LORDJOHN MANNERS, in reply, side, that three ocean postal contracts would expire next year—namely, that with the Union Steamship Company for the Cape of Good Hope service, and those with Messrs. Cunard & Co., and with Mr. Inman for the American service. The requisite notice had already been given to the Union Company, and would, in due course, be given to Messrs. Cunard and Mr. Inman. Before the American contracts expired the Government would consider the best arrangement to be made; but at present it would be unwise to pledge themselves to adopt any particular course in regard to them.