HC Deb 11 February 1904 vol 129 cc1028-9
MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that preferential rates are allowed by railway companies to foreign and colonial importers, he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter, and report the result to the House with a view to insure equality of treatment to all consignors.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him to a similar Question on the 18th June last. The Board of Trade are prepared to investigate any specific complaints †See (4) Debates, cxxiii., 1314. that the law is being infringed as suggested, but they are still without evidence warranting a general inquiry.