§ MR. PEEL (Manchester, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether it is the practice of the Colonial Office, in obtaining tenders through their brokers for the carriage of goods between this country and South Africa and vice versâ, to invite firms outside the Shipping Conference to quote; and, if so, will he give the names of firms so invited during the last six months.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe Colonial Office transacts no shipping business. The Crown Agents for the Colonies undertake business of this description on behalf of the Colonial Governments for whom they act and to whom they are responsible for its conduct. In ordinary circumstances the Crown Agents employ a shipping agent in the City to obtain offers for the freight they desire to secure and the shipping agent is responsible for obtaining the best terms possible. In the present condition of the South African shipping market, it is impossible to entertain tenders from firms outside the Conference Lines, unless there is a certainty that those firms will be able in the future to provide the requisite shipping facilities. The acceptance of a casual outside tender would place the Crown Agents, or any other shipper absolutely at the mercy of the Conference.
§ MR. ALFRED DAVIES (Carmarthen Boroughs)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an agent in the City cannot ship by the Conference lines and by the outside lines?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINYes.