§ MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British and Irish railways carry foreign goods at from one-half to two-thirds less than the charge for home goods, and that their charges for coal are throe times those of the German and Belgian railways; whether he will advise the appointment of a Departmental Committee during the recess to inquire into and report upon those matters in connection with transport.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir. I am not aware that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, and I do not propose to institute such a general inquiry as that suggested by the question. If any specific instance of undue preference is brought to my notice, I will inquire into it.