§ MR. WICKHAM (Hants, Petersfield)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the strawberry trade at Botley and its neighbourhood in Hampshire is seriously threatened by the increase of rates of the South Western Railway, especially for the carriage of empties; and whether he will take steps to compel the company to revert to their former rates?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BURT,) MorpethMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has asked me to answer the questions addressed to him to-day. The President of the Board of Trade has received a complaint from the strawberry trade at Botley and neighbourhood as regards the increase of rates on the South-Western Railway. He is in communication with the Company through the Railway Association on the subject. There is no power to compel the Company to revert to their former rates.