§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, in view of the fact that the existing mail contract terminates on the 30th September 1894, with a year's notice, what 758 steps, if any, are the Government taking to arrange for its continuance and further expediting the service thereof through Ireland viâ Queenstown, Kingstown, and Holyhead?
§ MR. A. MORLEYNo steps are necessary to arrange for the continuance of this contract; and in view of the important acceleration obtained in the latter part of last year Her Majesty's Government have no intention of taking steps to further expedite the service.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)Can anybody else tender besides the existing contractors?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI think not. The contract will run on until notice is given by one side or the other.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYAnd until one party desires to renounce the contract no outside tender can be accepted?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThat is so.