HC Deb 09 February 1893 vol 8 cc883-4
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the letter issued to traders by the London and North-Western Railway Company as to "perishable" rates by passenger train under the new Act, stating— That the London and North-Western Railway Company have two rates for the carriage of certain merchandise by passenger train or other similar service, at either of which rates the same may he consigned at the sender's option: one, the ordinary rate, when the Company accept the ordinary liability of a railway company; the other, a reduced rate, adopted when the sender agrees to relieve the Company from all liability. If you wish to have the advantage of the reduced rate, it, will he necessary for you to till up mid sign the form printed below, and then return it to the Company; and whether the Department will communicate with the railway companies as to this practice of soliciting traders to sign the stamped agreements sent with the letter while the rates question is under consideration?

MR. MUNDELLA

I am not aware of anything to prevent railway companies from entering into an agreement with traders to carry goods at a lower rate than the ordinary rate, on condition of a modification of the liability of the companies as carriers. And his practice of a lower rate for what is known as "owner's risk" than the rate for "company's risk" has long prevailed, mid is for the advantage of trade. Whether the agreement Which the companies now put forward for signature is or is not binding to the full extent of its language, is a legal question which it is not for me to determine.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the matter front the point of view that, while the higher rates remain and contracts are entered into under it, there will he no question of subsequent rebate, should the rates be lowered?

MR. MUNDELLA

Yes. I understand that the arrangement will not prevent traders front getting the advantage of rebate.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that it has been pointedly brought to the attention of the companies that stamped agreements will not prevent the trailers getting the rebate?

MR. MUNDELLA

I will take care it shall be made clear that that is the Board's view.