§ MR. AINSLIE (Lancashire, N., Lonsdale)asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Railway and Canal Traffic Act of 1888 gave any opening to Railway and Canal Companies to increase the minimum distance fixed by their respective Acts, and if the present attempt made by them to do this, as in their revised scale of rates, is not ultra vires; and if existing: agreements between them and traders will remain in force after the new scale has received the sanction of Parliament, or if they will become null and void and necessitate fresh agreements?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe view of the Board of Trade is that, in settling the maximum rates which railway companies are to charge, if the intention of the Act is to be carried out, they must determine the maximums chargeable for short distances; and that, consequently, proposals with this object do come within the intention of the Act. But though the railway companies propose, the disposal rests with others. I am unable to answer the latter portion of the question; agreements must be determined by the Courts of Law.
§ MR. AINSLIEsaid the right hon. Gentleman had not answered the main point of the question—namely, whether the Act afforded an opening for the increase of charges?
§ *SIR M. HICKS-BEACHI have endeavoured to explain the position in which the matter stands. I think it is competent for the railway companies to make such a proposal, but the disposal will rest with other persons.