§ 78. Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he can make any statement as to why the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company have discontinued their service between England and the West Indies, and thereby isolated these islands except by American or Dutch steamers; and whether any steps are being taken by the Government in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe reason given by the company is the recent increase in the cost of coal, which renders it impossible to continue a service already run at a loss. The matter is receiving the serious consideration of His Majesty's Government.