§ 53. Mr. MORRELLasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction that has been caused amongst traders by the manner in which the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1912, is being carried out; and whether he will appoint a Special Committee to inquire into the working of this Act?
Mr. BUXTONThe effect of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1913, is to lay down the conditions under which a rise in the cost of labour shall be deemed by the Railway and Canal Commission to justify an increase of railway rates if challenged under the Railway and Canal Traffic Act of 1894. As no case in which it has been sought to justify an increase of rates under the Act of 1913 has as yet been heard by the Commissioners, any inquiry into the working of the Act would be in any case altogether premature.
§ Mr. MORRELLHas the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the dissatisfaction which has arisen in connection with this matter in many commercial centres?
Mr. BUXTONI have received certain resolutions on the point, but I may point out that the Act has not yet really begun to work, and, therefore, it would be of no use at the present moment to inquire into its operation.