§ SIR BERNHARD SAMUELSON (Oxfordshire, Banbury)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is within his knowledge that the Railway Companies have, since the passing of the Railway Traffic Act of 1888, raised the rates on the carriage of merchandize in many instances; and, if so, whether he is able to give any information on the subject by way of a Return or otherwise?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I have no official information as to any changes made by the Railway Companies in the rates charged for the conveyance of traffic previous to the 1st January of this year, and can, therefore, lay no Return before the House. No increase in the rates can be made since that date without full publication of the intended increase and the date on which it is to take effect. The Board of Trade have prescribed Rules for such publication, and have called upon the Railway Companies for information as regards any increase made since the date mentioned. When that information is received, I shall be glad to show it to the hon. Member.