§ Mr. BARNSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade if his Department are preparing a Bill to carry into effect the recommendations of the Departmental 1254 Committee on Railway Amalgamations and of the Railway Conference; and if it is his intention to introduce this Bill next Session?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)A Bill is being prepared dealing with this matter, and I hope to introduce it next Session.
§ Mr. PETOasked whether, in any legislation arising out of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Railway Agreements and Amalgamations appointed 17th June, 1909, or required to give effect to the promise of the Government made on the appointment of the Railway Inquiry Commission in August last, to regard the grant of higher wages to their employés as reasonable ground for the railway companies to raise their rates for goods traffic within the legal maxima, notwithstanding the provisions of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1894, he will recognise the fact that there are three parties concerned, the public, including all traders, the employés, and the shareholders, and that no lasting and peaceful settlement can be arrived at without fixing a datum level and apportioning any increased profits that may result from economies effected by amalgamations and agreements entered into by the railway companies equitably between the three parties on the co-partnership principle; and whether, for this purpose, he will appoint a small Commission and give legislative sanction to their finding?
§ Mr. BUXTONIn any legislation proposed by the Government on this question the interests of all parties concerned will be fully borne in mind. There does not appear to be any ground for appointing a further Commission on the subject, but any representations made to the Board of Trade by the hon. Member will have careful consideration.