§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is now able to state whether the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway Company have 1456 reduced their rates for manures, etc., by 15s. as agreed; and whether the company will now return to their customers the amounts illegally charged in excess for the last four years?
§ MR. RITCHIEThe Board of Trade have had another interview with representatives of the railway companies interested, viz.: the London, Tilbury, and Southend and the Great Eastern. They assert their willingness to return to the old rates as from 1st January I893; it appears, however, that there is a dispute between these companies as to the proportion of the rate to which each is entitled. This is a matter which should be settled by arbitration, and I understand that the companies will appoint an arbitrator. I trust that this may be done without delay.