§ MR. J. WARDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difference in the railway rates for china and glass between London and Leeds and other parts of the country when packed in crates and casks and when in cases and boxes; and whether he proposes to bring this subject to the attention of the railway companies with a view to more reasonable races being adopted.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEComplaint on this subject was made some months ago to the Board of Trade, who communicated with the railway companies concerned and transmitted their reply to the complaints. Since then the traders have not pursued the matter, but if they have any further representations to make, the Board of Trade will be happy to examine them and to consider whether a meeting could be usefully arranged for their discussion with the railway companies. I may, however, point out to my hon. friend that a difference in railway rates according to the nature of packing is expressly authorised by Parliament.