HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 cc1021-2
Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will lay upon the Table of the House correspondence which has passed between the Colonial Office, the British West Indies, and the Dominion of Canada with respect to closer trade relations between Canada and the West Indies?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

The question of laying Papers will be considered in due course, but the correspondence is not likely to be complete for some time.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Is the right Gentleman aware that a considerable portion of this correspondence has already been published in the official papers in St. Vincent, and I think also in British Guiana and whether under these circumstances he does not think the House of Commons ought to have an opportunity of seeing them?

Colonel SEELY

Yes, I know a part has been published, but it is not complete. It can be expedited if that is the wish of the House.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Can that portion which has already been published be communicated to the House?

Colonel SEELY

There will be no difficulty about that if it is generally desired.

Mr. MITCHELL- THOMSON

asked whether His Majesty's Government has ceased to contribute a share of the subsidy towards the steamship service between Canada and the West Indies; whether the existing service between Canada and the West Indies is subsidised; and, if so, by whom and to what extent?

Colonel SEELY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. At present the service is being carried on under a temporary arrangement between the Canadian Government and Messrs. Pickford and Black, expiring in June, 1912. It is understood that the subsidy paid is at the rate of £15,000 a year, and calls are made at St. Kitts, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, and Demerara. In addition, the Governments of St. Lucia and St. Vincent have arranged with the contractors for calls to be made at those islands at intervals of twenty-two days, in consideration of a further payment at the rate of £800 per annum. The question of future arrangements is understood to be engaging the attention of the Canadian Government.