§ MR. LABOUCHEREI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a message of the Governor of Jamaica to the Legislative Council of that island, enclosing a letter to His Excellency from the Halifax and Bermudas Cable Company, asking for an annual grant from the island of £2,000 per annum, as a condition of laying a cable to the Island of Jamaica viâ Turk's Island, and stating that it is proposed to ask the Imperial Government to grant an annual subsidy of £8,000 per annum; and whether Her Majesty's Government has any intention to grant this subsidy?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethThe Secretary of State's attention has been called to the message in question; but it is premature at present to make any statement on the subject.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREDo I understand that there is an assurance that before such a subsidy is granted it will be submitted to the House?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSThat is a question which should be addressed to the First Lord of the Treasury.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREI would ask the question now, but I do not see the right hon. Gentleman in his place.