§ MR. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a new steam service has been inaugurated between Australia and Canada, Sidney and Vancouver being the terminal points, and that the Canadian Government has promised a subsidy of £25,000; whether any application has been made for the Admiralty subvention to the steamers engaged in this service as armed cruisers; and, if so, whether any decision on the subject has yet been arrived at; and whether, having regard to the Imperial importance and the great commercial advantages of establishing direct and regular communication between Australia and Canada, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to co-operate with the Australian and Canadian Governments in promoting and encouraging the development of this new line of steamers?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) DundeeI believe the facts are as stated in the first paragraph of the question. No application has been made to the Admiralty in respect to this service. The third paragraph raises a large question of general policy, the decision of which does not rest with the Admiralty.