§ MR. MONTAGU (Cambridgeshire, Chesterton)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a further pronouncement to the House as to the action he proposes taking to remove the disabilities placed, on British trade and agriculture by the freight rules and rates of British railway companies.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. Lloyd-George, Carnarvon Boroughs)I have already informed my hon. friend of the inquiries which I am causing to be made both at home and abroad with regard to the questions in which he is interested. These inquiries must necessarily take some time. I am therefore not yet in a position to make any announcement as to the action the Government propose to take on the subject of railway rates and rules. I should welcome any information which my hon. friend or anyone else interested in the question may be in a position to supply.
§ MR. MONTAGUHave any inquiries yet been instituted?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEI hope to be able to begin them very soon if I can get assistance from the Treasury.