§ 40. Mr. LAMBasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a temporary reduction of rates for the carriage of potatoes from Scotland to England is again to be granted by the railway companies from 1st December, 1922, to 31st May, 1923; that the English railway companies have refused to grant similar concessions in favour of English producers for potatoes consigned to southern counties, which are large consuming areas; and whether he proposes to take any action with a view to averting the unfair competition which must result?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Ashley)I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative, and as regards the second part, although the Minister has now no power of directing the railway companies as to their charges, I am communicating with them, and will advise the hon. Member of the result.