§ MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Gloucester, Stroud)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the first and second class fares charged by the South Eastern Railway Company and the London Chatham and Dover Railway Company for the conveyance of passengers from London to Calais and Boulogne are much higher than those charged by other railway companies for similar distances in England; if so, whether he will endeavour to bring about a reduction in these fares; whether he is further aware that each through passenger to stations beyond Calais is only allowed to take 56 1bs. of luggage without additional charge; and whether he will endeavour to secure an increased allowance of free luggage for such through passengers?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. J. BRYCE, Aberdeen, S.)I have communicated with the South Eastern Railway and the London Chatham and Dover Railway Companies with regard to the hon. and learned Member's question. The companies urge, and it is the fact, that their first and second class fares to Folkestone and Dover are within the maximum powers of charge, and that no fair comparison can be made between any "similar distances in England" and those to the Continental ports mentioned. As regards the weight of luggage carried free beyond Calais and Boulogne, I am further informed that the arrangements now in force are not under the control of the English companies.