HC Deb 19 February 1903 vol 118 c273
MR. RENWICK (Newcastle-on-Tyne)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state when the agreements between the British Government and the North Atlantic Combine, or Mr. Pierpont Morgan, or the International Mercantile Marine Company, and between the British Government and the Cunard Steamship Company, will be placed in the hands of Members of this House; and, if such agreements are not yet completed, will he state the reason of the long continued delay in their completion?

(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) The agreements are approaching completion, but I cannot say definitely when they will be laid upon the Table. Negotiations as to details affecting important and diverse interests, together with the consideration of somewhat complex points of law, are accountable for the delay which has occurred.