§ MR. GRAYasked the Postmaster General, Whether, in the event of the Government deciding to use for the mail service between Holyhead and Kingstown vessels inferior in length, beam, draught, tonnage, or horse-power to those now employed, he will communicate such intention to Parliament before the Contract is signed or the Government absolutely committed to it?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, even for a temporary sea service, any contract for a definite period, exceeding one year, must be laid on the Table of the House, and will not be binding until it has lain there one month without disapproval, or has been approved by Resolution. If it should be proposed to enter into a contract for the period of one year, or any less period, there will be no objection, in the exceptional circumstances of the case, to promise, as the hon. Member suggests, that the House shall be informed of the intention of the Government before any binding contract is executed.