HC Deb 08 January 1894 vol 20 cc1014-5
MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Gloucester, Stroud)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Thames and Severn Canal Company have declined or neglected to submit to the Board of Trade a revised classification of merchandise traffic and a revised Schedule of maximum rates and charges applicable thereto proposed to be charged by such Canal Company; and whether, if that is the case, the Board of Trade will, in pursuance of Section 24 of "The Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888," forthwith proceed to determine the classification of the traffic which, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, ought to be adopted by the Canal Company, and the Schedule of maximum rates and charges applicable to such classification?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

My answer to both these questions is in the affirmative.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Is it not the fact that the canal is practically in the hands of the Great Western Railway Company, and the directors and shareholders entirely under that company?

MR. MUNDELLA

There is a good deal of colourable evidence of that fact, but the whole matter will be brought before my notice by the deputation on Wednesday, and I hope, therefore, the question will not be pressed.