HC Deb 12 June 1894 vol 25 cc907-8
MR. DALZIEL&c.) (Kirkcaldy,

I keg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a representation from the Kirkcaldy Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the increased rates imposed by the North British Railway Company; whether he is aware that the increase on the 1892 rates is in several cases as much as 50 per cent., and in some cases 80 per cent.; and whether he can hold out any hope of a substantial reduction being speedily affected?

MR. BRYCE

Yes, Sir; I have received such a representation, and the Board of Trade have also received a communication from the Railway Company on the subject. The Company state that, although some rates have been raised, the actual charges at the revised rates work out, on the whole of the merchandise traffic from Kirkcaldy, to a little less than the rates in operation prior to 1893, the exact difference being a reduction of 0.ll per cent. The Board have referred the Chamber of Commerce to the provisions of Section 31 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, and they will be happy to use their good offices to bring about a settlement in any specific oases of increase of rates brought to their notice. I may add that if the Bill now pending were to become law—a result which I much desire—it would deal with cases such as this.

MR. DALZIEL

thanked the right hon. Gentleman, and asked him whether he could tell the traders what, under the pressure of the Railway Companies, they ought to do pending the passing of the Bill? Were they justified in refusing to pay the charge?

MR. BRYCE

I am afraid that would open up a question which would require to be answered at considerable length.

MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has satisfied himself in these cases that the Railway Companies are adhering to the honourable assurance they gave to the Board of Trade this time last year?

*MR. BRYCE

That, too, is a question that would require to be answered at considerable length, and it would be only fair that the Railway Companies should have notice of it before it is answered.