§ SIR A. ROLLIT (Islington, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Railway Companies continue generally to make greatly increased charges for the carriage of empties as compared with the rates before 1st January, 1893; and whether, in certain cases, the difference in charges for empties is so great as to amount to a large bounty in favour of external as against home produce?
MR. MUNDELL AI regret I am unable to answer the question of the hon. Member. It is of too general a character, being applicable to items numbering many millions. If he will specify any instance, I will endeavour to procure for him the information he desires.
§ SIR A. ROLLITI think I indicated in my communication to the right hon. Gentleman the particular case to which I alluded.
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have a copy of the hon. Gentleman's letter. It does not give particulars, it only makes general references.
§ SIR A. ROLLITI will endeavour to give the right hon. Gentleman further particulars.