§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I bog to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the importance of securing the most rapid and perfect transmission of the mails, and in view of the complaints made as to the restriction of competition, he will consent to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the whole subject of the contracts for conveyance of mails by sea and the payment of subsidies to British steamship companies?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Government do not at present see sufficient reasons for the appointment of such a Committee, but my hon. Friend will no doubt find an opportunity of bringing forward in the House the facts and arguments upon which he bases his suggestion, and if they should appear to be sufficient, the Government will be prepared to consider the appointment of a Committee.