§ MR. SEYMOUR KEAY (Elgin and Nairn)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the great increase in the goods rates charged by the Great North of Scotland Railway and the Highland Railway since the beginning of the present year under which the rates for flour, rice, grain, &c, have been raised 90 to 180 per cent., and the rates for empties have been raised 100 to 150 per cent. beyond the former rates; whether he is aware that, owing to these charges, the trade of these districts is being greatly crippled; and what steps the Government will take to prevent the serious consequences resulting from such exorbitant charges?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir; I have no such information; and as regards the Highland Railway, I am assured that there have been no such increases. If my hon. Friend can furnish any specific instances of such increases they shall be inquired into.