(for Mr. FREEMAN) asked the Postmaster-General whether any conditions as to wages and labour are laid down in the contracts entered into by His Majesty's Government for the carrying of British mails abroad; and, if so, will he state what they are?

No conditions as regards wages have ever been laid down in any of the four existing contracts with steamship companies for the conveyance of British mails abroad; but the contracts contain a clause stipulating that the master and officers and at least three-fourths of the crew of every mail ship shall be British subjects.

Sir F. HALL:

I noticed that two hon. Members rose to put this question. Have you not laid it down, Mr. Speaker, that before a Member asks a question which is in the name of another Member, he should receive an intimation from that Member?

That certainly is the rule.

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the conditions of service existing in the British Postal Service, the Government regard themselves in a moral position to lay down conditions in contracts abroad?