§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he will explain the cause of the delay in calling for tenders for the mail service between this country and India, the East, and Australia; and if he will say when the present contract with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Companies expires.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNotice has been given to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company and the Orient Steam Navigation Company to terminate their contracts for the mail services between this country and India, the East, and Australia on the 31st of January, 1905. The question of the future requirements of the service is being carefully considered by the several Departments of the Government concerned; and a decision will be arrived at as soon as possible.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONWhy have the contracts been extended two years? Will Papers be laid before Parliament?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe contract has not been extended. We had to give two years notice, dating from January 31st last, that we wished to terminate the contract, and that is all we did. The notice will not take effect for two years.