§ MR. RATHBONEasked the Postmaster General, Whether, as in the case of other subsidised lines, notice will be given to the Peninsular and Oriental, and the Royal Mail Steamship Companies to terminate the present contracts as soon as they legally can be terminated; and, whether assurance can be given that ample notice and opportunity will be given to enable all in a position to tender for the services now performed by those Companies to do so?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERS, in reply, said, that the subject was under the consideration of the Government, but no decision had been come to. No doubt in a day or two he would be able to give the hon. Gentleman the information he required.