§ Mr. ARBUTHNOTasked if any representations have been made to the Government as to the necessity for a direct service with Port Soudan and East Africa; and, if so, whether they propose to take any steps in the matter?
§ Colonel SEELYThe question of improving the steamship service between this country and East Africa has been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government for some time. As the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, a service to Mombasa has been started by the Union Castle Steamship Company,viâ the Cape of Good Hope, but it has not yet been found possible to initiate a service by way of the Suez Canal which would serve British East African and intermediate ports by that route.
§ Mr. EVELYN CECILHas the Colonial Office asked for any tenders?
§ Colonel SEELYNot at the moment. I think a large subsidy is required for this purpose, and His Majesty's Government, do not see their way to afford it at the present time.
§ Mr. EVELYN CECILAre there any tenders in the office which have not been accepted?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is not a question of tenders at the present time at all.