§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on German and French railways specially low rates are now charged for the consignment of artificial fertilisers with the object of enabling farmers to develop their land and increase its production at as small an outlay as possible; and whether the Board of Trade can take steps to secure the adoption of the same policy by British railway companies?
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONMany British railway companies grant special rates for various fertilisers included in their "packed manures list." I cannot say how these rates compare with similar rates in France and Germany, but if the hon. Member will inform me of any cases in which he considers that the charge is excessive I shall be happy to communicate with the companies concerned.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the hon. Gentleman see that his Department take steps to inquire into the recent reductions 1469 upon Continental railways, particularly in Germany and France, as regards fertilisers and feeding stuffs?