HC Deb 02 April 1883 vol 277 cc1179-80
MR. FRENCH-BREWSTER

asked the Postmaster General, Whether the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company's tender for the sea journey was less by £6,000 than that of the London and North Western Railway Company; whether the Government were largely in- fluenced by the statement of the London and North Western Railway Company that they would not carry on their present land service without an increased annual payment of £7,500; and, whether, yielding to the present demand of the London and North Western Railway Company renders its monopoly damaging or even fatal to the Irish Company, which was its sole competitor for the traffic between Ireland and Holyhead?

MR. FAWCETT

In reply to a Question which was addressed to me before Easter it was stated that the tender of the Dublin Company for the sea service was less by £6,000 than the tender of the London and North-Western Company for the same service. As previously explained, the reasons which induced the Government to arrive at their decision will be given in a Treasury Minute, which will be laid on the Table with the other Papers. With regard to the third Question of the hon. Member, I do not think any advantage will result from my expressing any opinion upon it on the present occasion.

MR. BRODRICK

asked when the Treasury Minute would be laid on the Table?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

As soon as possible, after the contract is completed.

MR. FAWCETT

I wish to correct a slight mistake for which I was responsible. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer was kind enough to answer a Question for me on Friday. It was then stated that I said the contract was at that moment with the solicitor for the London and North-Western Railway Company. I find that the contract was then with the solicitor to the Post Office. To-day it is with the solicitor to the London and North-Western Railway Company.

MR. GIBSON

Is to-day the first day the solicitor to the London and North-Western Railway Company has seen it?

MR. FAWCETT

Oh, no. There have been frequent conferences.

MR. GIBSON

The Government, I presume, have not finally settled with regard to the contract?

MR. FAWCETT

I believe that, so far as the terms of the contract are concerned, they are not yet settled.