§ 13. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for India whether the surplus operations of the Indian Post Office in 1913–14 was £290,000 and is expected in 1914–15 to be £470,000; and, if so, what obstacle exists to giving India two English mails weekly at a cost which would be far less than the surplus already realised?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSThe surpluses are as stated. It is a matter for consideration whether the provision of two mail services a week is the best way of spending the whole or part of any similar surpluses in future years.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Secretary of State considering it as possibly desirable and acceptable to the mercantile community?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSIt is under consideration.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONWhat would be the cost of this proposed experiment in State syndicalism?
§ Sir J. D. REESHas it not been estimated at £100,000?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSI must have notice of the question. I know nothing of the experiment in State syndicalism to which my hon. Friend refers.