§ MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of 1266 Trade whether he has seen a report of an action in the Wisbech County Court respecting a consignment of fruit which, when delivered, was deemed to be unfit for consumption; whether the evidence of a stationmaster that the railway practice was for each company to try to get the largest share possible respecting rates for home-grown produce regardless of any loss which the delay entailed might inflict upon farmers, fruit-growers, traders, and consumers is evidence which calls for any action by his Department; and whether he contemplates taking any early step to facilitate and cheapen the transit of home-grown food now burdened by heavy carriage rates and railway methods.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. CHURCHILL,) DundeeI have not seen any report of the case referred to. As my hon. friend is probably aware, the Board of Trade are considering with representatives of various interests concerned a number of questions relating to railway facilities and methods of working.
§ MR. CLYNESHave the Department any record of the extent of the losses incurred by reason of the practices referred to in the Question?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI do not think we have.