§ MR. JACKS (Stirlingshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in Stirlingshire and district no concessions on the new Railway Rates have been made to agriculturists except in regard to the milk traffic, and that the oppressive rates are likely to produce disastrous results; if he is aware that in some cases the rates on grain are nearly doubled; and as it is now after Easter, if he will take the steps he promised to put an end to this undesirable state of things? I wish also to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the rate on paper from Berwickshire to London has been raised at least 10 per cent., and that the Scotch Railway Companies allege that the increase is demanded by the English Railway Companies; if he is aware that in consequence of this foreign competitors are getting a larger share of the trade; and if he will now take the steps he promised to put an end to this state of things?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have received letters from the Caledonian and North British Railway Companies informing me that the statements that no concessions have been made on the new Railway Rates to agriculturists, except in regard to the milk traffic, and that in some cases the rates on grain are nearly doubled are incorrect. As regards the rates for paper, I am informed that the rate from Chirnside in Berwickshire to London has not been altered. The rates are 25s. l0d. per ton for four ton loads and upwards, and for smaller quantities 30s. per ton. I have three letters upon the subject entering fully into the questions referred to, which I shall be happy to submit to my hon. Friend.