§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies 1351 whether the mails to and from British East Africa are carried in British, French, or German vessels; whether Government material intended for public works in this Colony is being despatched in foreign bottoms contrary to the regulations made by the late Government; and what steps are being taken to encourage British shipping on the East African route.
§ COLONEL SEELYMails to and from British East Africa are carried indifferently in British, French, or German vessels. Shipments of Government material are, in accordance with general practice, carried in British bottoms as far as possible, and shipments in foreign vessels are only made in cases of urgency when no British ship is available. I am not aware that any special regulations were made on this subject by the late Government. In reply to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Montgomery District on 19th October.
In reply to the further Question, the hon. Gentleman admitted that the German line was subsidised.