§ 45. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose in the present Session to introduce a one-clause Bill dealing with the longstanding grievance of owners' risk rates or otherwise providing some quid pro quo to farmers and traders for the extensive benefits conferred upon the railway companies at their expense by the Railways Act of last Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe suggestion made by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, was that if he found it possible to deal with the question of owners' risks by general agreement, he would endeavour to proceed with such a Bill this Session. He is not yet in a position to make a statement on the question.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to suggest that there is danger of this Bill being so contentious that the Government are not prepared to introduce it this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say. I hope not.