HC Deb 09 March 1908 vol 185 cc1100-1
* MR. REES

I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of the British East Africa Protectorate is moving His Majesty's Government to subsidise a British line of steamers to serve the East Coast of Africa; and whether, in the event of this proposal being entertained, due regard will be given to the requirements of Beira, Chinde, Guillimane and Nyassaland.

MR. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; we have not received any recent communications in this sense from the Government of the East Africa Protectorate.

* MR. REES

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that for communication between the Protectorate and Europe settlers are absolutely dependent on subsidised foreign lines?

MR. CHURCHILL

I am aware that there is a deficiency of steamship communication between this country and East Africa.