HC Deb 12 April 1892 vol 3 c1240
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, before agreeing to grant an annual subsidy to the Halifax and Bermuda Cable Company for laying a cable to Jamaica, this House will be given an opportunity to express its views on this matter? I may mention that I ask this question of the right hon. Gentleman at the desire expressed by the Under Secretary for the Colonies.

SIR J. GORST

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. He is not aware of any proposal having been made to the Treasury for any such subsidy.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Well, Sir, I am sent from "pillar to post." The Under Secretary to the Colonies told me yesterday he was aware of such a proposal, and advised me to apply to the First Lord for information about it.

SIR J. GORST

No such proposal has reached the Treasury.

DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, can such a subsidy be given without a contract being laid on the Table for the assent of the House?

SIR J. GORST

I do not like to answer a legal question, but I should say it could not without the contract being laid on the Table, as all such contracts are.