§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the con-tract entered into between the Crown Agents for the Colonies and Messrs. Elder, Dempster, and Company for a steamship service between Jamaica and the United Kingdom, dated 19th April, 1900, creates a public charge entered into by the Government for the conveyance of mails by sea; and, if so, why, in terms of Standing Order 63 (13th July, 1869), there has not been inserted the condition that the contract shall not be binding until it has been approved by a resolution of the House; and also why, in terms of Standing Order 64, such contract has not been accompanied by a Minute of the Lords of the Treasury 1102 setting forth the grounds on which they have proceeded in authorising it.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe contract is one for the conveyance of fruit and passengers, and only incidentally for the conveyance of mails, which are otherwise provided for. It is therefore not considered that any public charge on Imperial funds is thereby created for the specific conveyance of mails by sea. Neither the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury nor the Postmaster General are parties to the contract, as would be the case in a mail contract proper, and therefore no steps have been taken to lay before the House any minute of the nature indicated in the question.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONMay I ask, then, how the matter can come before Parliament?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINIt could be raised on the Vote for my salary.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONWill there not be an Estimate?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINOh, yes. We took an Estimate of £20,000 for a similar purpose last year, and I imagine it will have to be voted again.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIt is not on the Estimates.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIs not this service to stimulate the trade in bananas and help the running of a private hotel?
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)Is this contract subject to any commission being paid to the Crown Agents?
§ * MR. SPEAKERNotice must be given of that question.