HC Deb 04 June 1913 vol 53 cc876-7
45. Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to set up the promised Committee of inquiry into the subject of railway rates and management; what form of Committee he will propose; and whether the terms of reference will include the regulations recently adopted with respect to the marking of goods?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

The question of an inquiry into railway matters is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. In any case, however, the reasonableness of a particular set of regulations as to the marking of goods is rather a matter for a Court than for inquiry by a Commission or Committee.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his absence, gave an undertaking to the House that an immediate inquiry should be instituted. That is some time ago?

The PRIME MINISTER

Into the general subject, certainly.

Mr. CROOKS

Is it not the fact that some of the goods are marked "Electric plant," instead of "Guns"?

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