§ 58. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether and, if so, when it is the intention of the Government to appoint a Select Committee of the two Houses of Parliament to inquire into the whole question of railway rates, with a view to reclassification and general revision?
Mr. BUXTONI do not think a Committee of the kind suggested, with the object mentioned, would lead to useful results. The Government have the question of an inquiry into the railway position under consideration, but I cannot yet make any announcement on the question.
§ 59. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether the Government have abandoned their intention of introducing this Session a one-Clause Bill to meet the grievances of farmers and traders in respect of owners' risk rates charged upon produce and merchandise consigned by rail to balance to some extent the benefits conferred upon the railway companies by the Railways Act of last Session?
Mr. BUXTONI regret that it has not been found possible to arrive at such an agreement in regard to the question of owner's risk rates as to enable me to 25 introduce a Bill on the subject this Session.
§ Mr. BARNSTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Government did not practically give a pledge that they would introduced the Bill this Session?
Mr. BUXTONOn the contrary; I said particularly that if I could arrive at an agreement such as would make it a more or less non-contentious measure, it would be introduced, but it was quite evident that otherwise it could not be introduced this Session.