§ MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the Midland Railway (Steam Vessels) Bill, the Furness Railway (Steam Vessels) Bill, and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (Steam Vessels) Bill; and whether he proposes to take any steps for the purpose of protecting traders and the public against the exercise of the powers conferred by these Bills, or against undue preference, especially having regard to the powers sought to enable the companies to pay for the purchase of steamships wholly or partly by way of subsidy or rebate.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds CentralMy hon. friend has been good enough to furnish me with a memorandum, giving a summary of the provisions of these Bills. I have considered the matter, and have come to the conclusion that no special action is necessary. I would remind my hon. friend that Standing Order 155 is framed to meet such cases, and that the Committee on each Bill must make a special report. There can I think be no doubt that the Committees entrusted with the consideration of these Bills, will give particular 529 attention to them, in obedience to the terms of the Standing Order.