HC Deb 01 November 1909 vol 12 cc1442-3
Mr. YOUNGER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether anything has been decided as to the renewal of the subsidy for the Jamaica banana and mail contract; whether the whole of the elected representatives of the Legislative Council of Jamaica recently voted against its renewal; and whether it was only carried by the casting vote of the Governor?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)

Two resolutions have been before the Legislative Council in connection with the renewal of the contract for a steamship service between the United Kingdom and the Colony. In May last the Council passed a resolution calling on the Government to obtain tenders and agreeing to provide a subsidy of £20,000. In Septem- ber a resolution was moved against providing for a renewed subsidy for a service under the present conditions. This later resolution was negatived on a division by the Governor's casting vote, the eight elected members present voting in favour of it. No decision has as yet been taken by the Secretary of State in the matter.