HC Deb 04 March 1873 vol 214 c1286
MR. J. B. SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the London and North Western or any other Railway Company can legally refuse to carry coals for any other persons than coaldealers, designated by the Railway Company as "registered traders?"

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

replied that he could hardly give an authoritative answer to the Question of the hon. Member. As far as his own belief, however, went, he thought that if the railway company carried coals for one class of people they must also convey them for other classes. They could not refuse to convey for those who were not coal dealers. It did not, however, follow that all coals must be carried under all circumstances at the same rate, seeing that much depended upon the peculiar circumstances of each case, such as the largeness of the quantity sent, and the regularity of the delivery on the part of the customer. He had no official means of knowing more on the subject.

MR. EYKYN

asked, Whether any restriction has been laid on the conveyance of coals between Rugby and London?

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

I know nothing whatever about it. I have no official means of knowing anything about that matter.