HC Deb 20 February 1911 vol 21 cc1703-4W
Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state whether the sum of £9,000 is still paid to the British India Steamship Company for conveyance of the East Africa, Uganda, mails; and, seeing that it is on record that a saving of some £7,000 could be effected by the withdrawal of this contract, it is intended to continue the said subsidy?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The Government considers it desirable to maintain a British Contract Service for the conveyance of mails between Aden, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, as there are advantages attaching to it represented by regularity, control, and speed, beyond its pecuniary value for the conveyance of mails as measured on the basis of Postal Union Transit charges.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the rising importance of East Africa and Uganda and the toll imposed on the produce of the country by the charges of the Suez Canal Company, he will consider, in the event of his being unable to grant an adequate subsidy to the Union Castle line, who are now running a direct line by the Suez Canal, for the benefit of the Country, the desirability of bringing before his colleagues in the Cabinet the question of devoting a portion of the profit made by the Government towards lightening the burdens on British commerce?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Union Castle Company are unwilling to enter into a Mail Contract for the conveyance of mails between Aden and East African Ports for the postal subsidy which I have been able to offer. It would not be for the Post Office to make proposals for subsidies other than for postal services.