§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the question of the manufacture and supply of stamps, post-cards, &c., to the various Crown Colonies and Colonial Governments will be one of the subjects to be discussed at the Colonial Conference in connection with postal and telegraph business; whether he is aware that in the case of India the Controller of Stamps at Somerset House is now charged with the supervision of all such work for that Empire; and, whether he will inquire if this arrangement has proved economical to the Government of India?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)The question of the manufacture and supply of stamps and post-cards to the Crown Colonies and Colonial Governments is 364 not proposed for discussion at the Colonial Conference. The Colonies, under responsible Governments, of course, make their own arrangements. With regard to the Crown Colonies, the Crown Agents have the advantage of all the assistance that can be given them by the Department of Her Majesty's Government, and it is believed that, by their arrangements, economy is secured. It is the case that the Controller of Stamps now superintends this work for India. Till last year, separate staffs were maintained for Imperial and Indian work respectfully at the manufactories. These have now been combined under the Controller of Stamps. The arrangement has only been in operation since October 1, 1886; but some economy has already resulted to India by reason of the reduction of staff which has been found possible.