67. Sir HENRY COWANasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the Imperial fast ship scheme for pro- 880 viding seven new large 22-knot ships of a type which does not now exist, for a new service between Britain and Australia, via India and Ceylon, for the carriage of mails, passengers and refrigerated and general cargo; whether his attention has been called to the published statement of the Prime Minister of Australia that the success of tins scheme depends upon the co-operation of the Imperial and the other Dominion and Colonial Governments concerned; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter, in view of the advantages which it is claimed that this new service would offer for inter-Imperial trade, not only between Britain and Australia, but between Britain and India and between Australia and India?
§ 68. Sir J. PENNEFATHERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether proposals have come tinder his notice in regard to a 22-knot service of steamers between this country and Australia, New Zealand, India and Ceylon, thereby shortening sea passages by four to nine days; and, if so, can he indicate what action he proposes to take to encourage this closer linking up of the Empire?
§ 69. Sir NEWTON MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the proposed fast ocean service scheme consisting of seven hew large 22-knot ships for a new service between Great Britain and Australia, via India and Ceylon, for the carriage of mails, passengers and refrigerated and general cargo; whether, in view of the advantages which it is claimed that the new service could offer for inter-Imperial trade not only between Great Britain and Australia but between Great Britain and India and between Australia and India, attention will be given to the project by the Imperial Government: and whether, in view of the public announcement by the Prime Minister of Australia that the success of the new scheme would depend Upon the co-operation of the Imeprial and other Dominion and Colonial Governments concerned, he can assure the House of the Imperial Government's cooperation?
§ 66. Mr. HARNEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention Las been called to a scheme now 881 under consideration by the Australian Government, and approved by the Australian Prime Minister, for an Imperial fast steamship service scheme by ships to be built at British shipyards, involving an outlay of about £10,000,000, for service between this country and Australia via India and Ceylon; and whether he is prepared to co-operate with the Australian Government, with a view to making the scheme a success?
§ Mr. AMERYThe proposals referred to are under the consideration of a Committee of the Imperial Conference, and I am not, therefore, at present in a position to give any indication as to any action which His Majesty's Government may take in the matter.