§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of the Dominion of Canada have signed a contract with Messrs. Paterson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, for the fast steamship service between Canada and this country; and, if so, whether the conditions as hitherto prescribed are now to be required of contractors, or whether, looking to the progress lately made in size and speed of vessels, increased speed will now be called for; and if he is able to state what subsidy for carrying the mails has been arranged for respectively by the British and Canadian Governments?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The Government of the Dominion of Canada, has signed a provisional agreement with Messrs. Peterson and Tate, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, for the fast steamship service between Canada and this country. The agreement is now under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government, on whose approval it is contingent, and it would be premature to state its provisions.