HC Deb 23 April 1891 vol 352 cc1233-5

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Amendment proposed, In Clause 8, page 7, line 10, after " sessions," insert " In Scotland such person may appeal in manner provided by ' The Summary Prosecutions Appeals (Scotland) Act, 1875.' "—(Sir J. Fergusson.)

(8.26.) MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

Is this a fresh Amendment put down by the Government? If so, we ought to have some explanation.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE For FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.

The Amendments have been on the Paper a fortnight.

MR. KNOX (Cavan, W.)

What is the meaning of Clause 3 of this Bill? If—

The CHAIRMAN

Order, order! We are not now discussing Clause 3.

Amendment agreed to.

Other Amendments made.

Amendment proposed, in Clause 9, pages 7 and 8, leave out Sub-sections (2) and (4).—(Sir J. Fergusson.)

MR. CONYBEARE

The right hon. Gentleman may say that the Amendments have been on the Paper some days, but that does not do away with the necessity for further explanations.

(8.30.) SIR J. FERGUSSON

I am al ways willing to give any explanations required. This Amendment has been introduced, because the present powers possessed by the Post Office are considered to be adequate to fulfil the Convention.

MR. CONYBEARE

There is one matter to which I should like to draw attention. Within the last few days, there has been a robbery of mails from one of the boats running between Dover and Calais, and I should like to know if the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to ensure that greater precautions are taken, so as to avoid the possibility of some robberies in the future.

THE CHAIRMAN

Order, order! That has nothing to do with the subject.

MR. CONYBEARE

It seems to me very important that such steps should be taken.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment proposed, in Clause 10, page 8, line 43, at end, insert "The ex- pression 'subsidy' includes a payment for the performance of a contract."—(Sir J. Fergusson.)

(8.34.) MR. M. J. KENNY (Tyrone, Mid)

What is the meaning of this Amendment?

SIR J. F ERGUSSON

The point is this Some of the contracts provide for a fixed payment for the service done, and others provide for payment according to the weight of the mails carried. That is the case with the Atlantic steamers. Hence the necessity for this change.

(8.35.) MR. M. J. KENNY

Why not have a uniform system?

SIR J. FERGUSSON

That might be a proper thing to consider when the House has before it the question of the mail contracts.

(8.36.) MR. CONYBE ARE

Would it be in order for me on this Amendment to raise the question as to the mail robberies?

THE CHAIRMAN

No.

Amendment agreed to.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered to-morrow at Two of the clock.