§ SIR J. WHITEHEAD (Leicester)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now definitely fix a day on which the Second Reading of the Railway and Canal Traffic Bill will be taken?
§ MR. BURT (who replied)said: The Board of Trade are extremely anxious to make progress as rapidly as possible with the Railway and Canal Traffic Bill, but I understand from my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House that the precise date for the Second Reading cannot be named.
§ SIR J. WHITEHEADIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of accounts between traders and Railway Companies outstanding pending the settlement of this question?
§ SIR J. WHITEHEADI will repeat the question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday next.
§ MR. A. C. MORTONSeeing that the Government are extending these objectionable powers—as evidenced by their action on a Private Bill to-day—is there any reason for proceeding with this Bill?
§ MR. BURTI do not think I should answer a question which merely involves an expression of opinion.
§ MR. A. C. MORTONDid not the hon. Gentleman to-day support a Bill increasing the rates?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order !