MR. MACDONALD CAMERONasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, as the late Government had intended to introduce a Bill dealing with the question of excessive Railway Rates, and were prevented from doing so by resignation, Her Majesty's Government will consider the expediency of introducing a similar measure 898 dealing with Railway Rates generally; and, whether they are prepared to take immediate action with regard to the prohibitory rates now being charged for agricultural produce and fish, so that our Northern farmers and fishermen can bring their produce to the large centres of population at prices that will compete with that now being imported from the Continent of Europe, and so help in a tangible degree the present trade depression?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA)In reply to the first portion of the hon. Member's Question, I beg to state that I have given Notice of my intention to introduce a Bill dealing with the subject of railway rates. In reply to the second branch of the Question, the only action I can take in the matter is to introduce and lose no opportunity of passing this legislation through the House; and this, I need hardly say, I fully intend to do.
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORWill the proposals extend to Ireland?
§ MR. MUNDELLAYes; I believe the Bill will extend to the whole of the Three Kingdoms.