HC Deb 18 February 1901 vol 89 cc310-1
MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the railway rate for foreign fruit from Dover to London is 1s. 8d. per ton, whilst English fruit from Dover to London cost 12s 3d. per ton, and that the Railway and Shipping Conference average through rates to Ireland upon the same system; whether the Board of Trade consider such an arrangement to constitute a preferential rate in favour of the foreign importer; and whether an inquiry will be made respecting the schedule of through rates, and a comparison instituted as to the mileage rate charged for the carriage of native produce throughout the United Kingdom.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir; I have no information which would justify me in accepting as correct the figures set out in the question of the hon. Member. The Board of Trade are always prepared to investigate any specific complaint under Section 31 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888.

MR. FIELD

But will not the right hon. Gentleman seek information as to the specific complaint contained in my question?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have asked the hon. Member to name specific cases. My present information is that his figures are not correct.

MR. FIELD

Will you answer the last paragraph of my question?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

There is no intention of making such an inquiry.