UK Parliament — House of Commons

In all contracts extending over a period of years, and creating a public charge, actual or prospective, entered into by the government for the conveyance of mails by sea, or for the purpose of communications beyond sea, there shall be inserted the condition that the contract shall not be binding until it has been approved of by a resolution of the House. Proceedings in pursuance of this order, though opposed, may be decided after the expiration of the time for opposed business.

That in all Contracts extending over a period of years, and creating a public Charge, actual or prospective, entered into by the Government for the Conveyance of Mails by Sea, or for the purpose of Telegraphic Communications beyond Sea, there should be inserted the condition that the Contract shall not be binding until it has been approved of by a Resolution of the House.