§ Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India what arrangements have now been made to enable officials and European residents in India, who have hitherto been unable to secure passages home, to obtain shipping accommodation next spring; and what steps are being taken to cheapen the cost of passages to and from India to Government officials?
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§ Mr. FISHERThe Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company have agreed in India to refuse ordinarily all applications from persons who do not reside in India for homeward passages in March, April and May next spring, thereby securing preference for officials and non-officials residing in India. It is hoped that other companies will accept a similar arrangement. The subject referred to in the latter part of the question is under consideration.