HC Deb 02 May 1907 vol 173 cc1067-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General; if he can state whether the arrangements have yet been made by the British and Australian Governments for the new Australian mail service contracts.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I. hope that satisfactory arrangements for the continuance of the Imperial Mail service to and from Australia will be completed I shortly. I have no official information as to the progress of the arrangements for the additional service to be provided by the Commonwealth Government.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect information from the Commonwealth?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Of course we shall be informed, but we have no responsibility in the matter.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Are there not two contracts, one entered into-by the Imperial Government, and the other by the Commonwealth?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Yes, but we have no control over the Commonwealth contract.