§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if the shipment of Chinese pork to London was made in a steamer which received a subsidy from the Government for carrying mails?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)The consignment alluded to in the question is understood to have been made per the Peninsular Oriental Steam Navigation Company's s. s. "Palermo." Under the terms of the Post Office contract with that company, the Postmaster-General has the right to send mails by all vessels performing any service undertaken by the company for their own purpose. The "Palermo" on the voyage in question was not employed as a mail ship, nor is she likely to be so employed.
§ Mr. FELLMay I ask whether the ship was not to all intents and purposes one of the Peninsular and Oriental line subsidised, and whether it makes much difference whether or not this is the actual boat?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe subsidise the Peninsular and Oriental line to render certain services to provide ships for the performance of these services; but specific ships are not allocated for the performance of these specific duties.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, I do not think so. The theory about the mail contracts is that proportionate value is received.