§ MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Highland Railway Company continue to charge traders the same rate for small size cattle trucks and sheep 628 vans as for medium size trucks and vans; if he will inquire when this company will have all their small trucks and vans converted into medium or full size, how many have been converted since 16th August 1894, and how many there are still to be converted; and whether he can take any steps to compel the Highland Railway Company to charge traders small truck and van rates when, the small size only is provided?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. J. BRYCE,) Aberdeen, S.I have communicated with the Highland Railway Company, and as the general manager informs me that the matter stands as it did when I replied to a question on the subject in August last, I would again repeat the suggestion which I then made to the hon. Member, namely, that any specific complaints of unreasonable treatment should be submitted to the Board of Trade under Section 31 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888. The Highland Railway Company have informed me that the process of converting their trucks is still going on, but the Board of Trade have no power to require the company to supply the general information asked for in the question.
§ MR. BRYCEPerhaps it will save the hon. Member trouble if I tell him that I cannot carry the matter any further by an answer to a question in this House. What he and his Friends may do is to bring it before the Board of Trade under Section 31 of the Act.