§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the trade depression in the West Indies, the Government will reconsider their determination not to assist the proposed lines of steamers between those islands and Canada and the United States?
SIR J. GORST (for Baron H. de WORMS)The Secretary of State has approved of the Government of the Leeward Islands subsidising a line of steamers between those islands and Canada, which is also subsidised by the Dominion Government, and he is prepared to consider any proposals that may be made by any other West Indian Colonial Governments for granting similar subsidies; but if the question refer to a subsidy from Imperial funds, 1471 no such proposal has been made, or, if made, could be entertained by Her Majesty's Government.