MR. MAC IVERasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is true that a contract has been made for the conveyance of the West Indian Mails; and, 1871 if so, when the Papers relating to it will be produced?
§ SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON, in reply, said, that the contract for the conveyance of the West India Mails was signed yesterday. It was for the conveyance of the whole of the mails by one system. He had hoped to be able to lay the contract on the Table this year, and ask the House to affirm the action of the Government in the matter. But as he had promised the House that all the Papers should be produced together, he feared that time would hardly suffice for their being printed soon enough to admit of any discussion taking place upon them; and he therefore feared the contract would have to remain for affirmation till the beginning of next Session. It had been thought wise to adhere to the old system of accepting the tender of one Company for the conveyance of the whole of the mails.