Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the facts that the sum of £9,000 is paid for the conveyance of mails from Aden to Mombassa, and that the mail services rendered could be obtained for £2,000, he will consider if the said sum of £9,000 could be more profitably employed in running a special steamer which would not only carry the coast mails, but develop the resources of the coast provinces?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State has considered my hon. Friend's suggestion in consultation with the Postmaster-General, and he is satisfied that the practical difficulties are such that it is not possible to give effect to it.