HC Deb 10 July 1902 vol 110 cc1374-5
MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, before the Admiralty makes any agreement with Air. Pierpont Morgan, the House of Commons will have an opportunity of considering the question.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The Government have undertaken to make a statement on the various questions raised by the Atlantic Shipping Combination as soon as they are in a position to do so. We do not think it would be expedient at the present stage to tie our hands by giving the pledge suggested in the Question.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Is the Government in a position to give an undertaking that no arrangement for subsidizing these ships will be made until the Report of the Committee now sitting on subsidies has been issued?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The right hon. Gentleman has stated that the Government are not ready to give any further pledge.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Then I will put a Question which I assure you is relevant. Will the Government undertake to make 110 arrangements until the Report of the Steamship Subsidies Committee is in the possession of Members?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir, I cannot give any such undertaking.