§ 48. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked what subsidy, if any, has been given by His Majesty's Government towards the building of the royal mail steamer "Aquitania"; whether His Majesty's Government have received any communication from the Dominion Government of Canada suggesting that ships subsidised by the British Government plying between here and America shall, in return for such subsidy, make alternate calls at Canadian ports; and if the Government will endeavour to make this stipulation should any further subsidies be granted in this connection by His Majesty's Government?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)This vessel belongs to the Cunard Company. Under the Cunard agreement, in return for a subsidy for building the "Lusitania" and the "Mauretania," the company undertook, under certain conditions, to make modifications in the plans of new ships (of which the "Aquitania" is one) to render them suitable in certain respects for service as auxiliaries. Some work of this sort is now being done in the "Aquitania." The question of whether this work is wholly or partly in excess of what the Admiralty can claim to have done under the agreement is now under consideration. I have no information in regard to the second part of the question. I suggest that this and the third part should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSHas the right hon. Gentleman received any communication at all for a similar subsidy as that granted to the Cunard Line from such services as the Canadian Pacific Railway or other lines plying between this country and Canada; if so, will he favourably consider them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot recall any.