§ MR. FINDLATER (for Mr. MAURICE BROOKS)asked the Postmaster General, Whether, to avoid any possible misunderstanding, he will have any objection to inform intending contractors for the conveyance of the mails between Holyhead and Kingstown that the clauses in the advertisement and tender form, which provide that "it is essential that the vessels to be employed in the service shall be at least equal in respect of 1317 speed, stability at sea, and accommodation for mails and for passengers" to the "present mail boats," shall be understood to mean that the vessels to be employed in the service shall be not less in speed, tonnage, engine power, dimensions, draught of water, stability at sea, and accommodation for mails and passengers than the present mail boats?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, so far as I am able to judge, the words contained in the advertisement are sufficient to secure that boats in no respect inferior to those now employed can be accepted under the new contract. As it is stipulated that the speed shall not be less than that now maintained, I do not see any use in making any stipulation as to engine-power, as my hon. Friend suggests.