§ * MR. REESI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the British Possessions of British Central Africa and North Eastern Rhodesia are dependent upon the steamer service of the Deutsche Ost Afrika Line, which is raising its rates as each British company successively withdraws from the sea-borne trade at Chinde; and whether the Government will take any action to counteract the effect of the subsidy enjoyed by the above-mentioned German line.
§ MR. HARCOURTThe Secretary of State's information does not show that the possessions referred to are entirely dependent on the German Line; but I may say that the subject of steam communication with East Africa is at present engaging particular attention.
§ * MR. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have good grounds for saying that no English Line now calls regularly at Chinde, and can give him my reasons for saying so?
§ MR. HARCOURTThe Colonial Office will be glad of any information my hon. friend can supply.