§ MR. STRAUS (Tower Hamlets, Mile End)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause a complete list of the various running powers of the railways of the United Kingdom to be issued, so that traders may be able to send their goods by the shortest and cheapest route, instead of the route most in the interest of the receiving company, which is often the longest and most expensive.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) DevonportI understand that the information as to the running powers possessed by railway companies desired by my hon. friend would, if published, be misleading, inasmuch as in many instances running powers, although possessed, are not exercised, and in many other cases they are only exercised partially or intermittently. If my hon. friend, however, will move for a Return, we will consider how far we can afford him useful information.
In reply to a further Question by Mr. STRAUS—
§ MR. KEARLEYsaid it was not compulsory on companies to use these powers.
§ MR. STRAUSAnd therefore the public must suffer.