§ SIR THOMAS DEWARTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the rates charged on the South African Government Bail ways for the conveyance of goods for the supply of the military canteens are considerably higher than those charged for the conveyance of stores required for the concentration camps; and will he consider the expediency of taking such steps as may be necessary to secure for military canteens the same rates as are accorded to stores for concentration camps; is he aware that the railway rates now charged for canteen stores are higher than those charged during the war; will he say to what extent the rates have been increased, 1482 on what ground the change was made, and on what date the new rates came into force.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The transit of canteen stores has been charged for by the Railway Companies since the 1st August last at ordinary public rates, which are from two to three times as great as the rates for military stores. Stores for concentration camps are charged for at the latter rates. (Jan-teen stores were charged for at these rates during the war. The rates on the Cape and Natal Railways are fixed by the Governments of those Colonies. The matter is still the subject of correspondence with South Africa.