§ MR. FERENS (Hull, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is delay on the part of railway companies in dealing with communications from traders as to delays or excessive rates; and whether he will consider the expediency of bringing in further legislation so as to increase the limited powers which are at present vested in the Board under Section 31 of The Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE, Carnarvon Boroughs)I sympathise with the hon. Member in his desire to expedite the settlement of traders' grievances against railway companies. I can assure him that no delay takes place at the Board of 474 Trade. I am not satisfied that the present machinery for enabling those grievances to be adjusted between representatives of traders and railway companies is adequate for the purpose, but I am not at present able to make any announcement as to amending legislation.