HC Deb 31 July 1907 vol 179 cc955-6
MR. BRIGG (Yorkshire, W.R., Keighley)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the frequency of cases in which traders have grievances against railway companies, but are unable to obtain redress owing to the great expense attending proceedings in the Court of the Railway and Canal Commission; and whether he has considered, or will consider, the propriety of appointing traffic inspectors, with powers to inquire and report in matters of rates, accommodation, and facilities, similar to the powers at present possessed by the inspecting officers of the Board of Trade in reference to engineering matters and public safety.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

As I have already stated in this House, I am fully aware of the desirability of securing as cheap and expeditious a means of dealing with traders' complaints as the circumstances of the case permit, and the whole †See (4) Debates, clxxiii., 674. subject is engaging my earnest attention. I cannot, however, at present make any announcement as to the precise steps to be taken with this object, which would probably necessitate legislation.