HC Deb 28 April 1893 vol 11 cc1505-6
MR. SEYMOUR KEAY

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a tabular statement, said to have been posted from Lossiemouth 10 days ago, giving full particulars of 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, amounting in the case of such important articles of commerce as flour, rice, grain, empties, &c, to a rise of 90 and even 180 per cent.; and whether, if the above statement has been received, he will institute inquiries, with the object of taking such steps as will prevent the serious consequences to the district resulting from these charges?

MR. MUNDELLA

The Railway Companies have declined to accept the figures of the hon. Member, but their explanations are too long to trouble the House with. I shall be glad to show them to the hon. Member.

SIR J. WHITEHEAD (Leicester)

I should like to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in an enormous number of other eases the Railway Companies are again departing from their promise not to fix any rates more than 5 per cent. above those in operation up to January, unless in very special circumstances?

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

And is the right hon. Gentleman aware that where the Railway Companies have made a reduction they have very often gone on the principle of reducing the rates to places where there is little traffic, leaving the rates to places where there is large traffic almost unaltered?

MR. MUNDELLA

I should not like to give an answer to the general question. The whole matter is about to be referred to a Select Committee, which can obtain all the necessary information.

MR. TOMLINSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend the scope of the inquiry to extend into the questions which have been raised?

MR. MUNDELLA

It is impossible for any Committee to go into all these questions. The number of rates can be reckoned by millions; but I invite hon. Members to cite specific instances. We can then apply to the companies for an explanation.

MR. FIELD

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the cattle rates on English railways have been increased since 1892?

MR. MUNDELLA

I recently gave the hon. Member three letters from the principal Railway Companies stating that this was not the case. If the contrary is the fact, the hon. Member ought to furnish particulars.

SIR J. WHITEHEAD

When is it proposed to nominate the Committee?

MR. MUNDELLA

I hope to be able to nominate it on Monday.