§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Contract dated the 27th of March, 1889, for the conveyance of Mails between Scrabster, Scapa Pier, and Stromness, be approved"—(Mr. Jackson.)
DR. CAMERONOne of the contracts which came before the House some time ago was so varied after it was approved by the House, that the contract as approved was rendered absolutely null and void. I should like to have an assurance that if this contract be approved by the House, the Treasury will not alter its most specific and important provisions.
§ MR. JACKSONI have no hesitation in giving the House the undertaking and assurance asked for; but I am not prepared to admit that the contract the hon. Gentleman has referred to was varied in any important particular. I assure the House I have just as strong a desire to adhere to the strict terms of our contracts as any hon. Member, and I have endeavoured to meet the views of the hon. Member by laying on the Table a Treasury, minute in which it is distinctly laid down that there shall be no variation of any contract, as to which there shall not be laid before the House full information.
§ Question put and agreed to.