§ MR. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received official information that the capital for the proposed fast Atlantic steamship service between Great Britain and Canada is now fully subscribed; whether any changes have been made in the terms and conditions of the original contract; and whether the regular calling of the steamers at an Irish port is obligatory or optional?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The answer to the first question is in the negative. A conditional supplemental contract had been made between the Canadian Government and Messrs. Petersen, Tate and Company, subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government, making certain alterations in the original contract. This supplemental contract is now under the consideration of the Treasury and the Post Office, and it would be premature to state its purport at this stage.