HC Deb 08 March 1898 vol 54 cc976-7
MR. HOGAN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, (1) what is the present position of the proposed fast Atlantic service between Great Britain and Canada; (2) is the establishment of the service definitely assured; (3) and has the Irish port of call been agreed upon?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

I understand that steps are being taken by the contractors, Messrs. Petersen and Tate, for the formation of a Company, to take over the contract for this service, and that they have also made provisional arrangements with regard to the building of the ships. (2) With regard to this, I can only say that the contractors have duly made the deposit of £20,000 in cash and securities required by the contract. (3) It will be time enough to discuss the question of an Irish port of call when matters are further advanced.