§ 40. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the statutory maxima for rail- 1614 way rates fixed under The Railways and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, take into account none of the modern improvements and economies effected by the railway companies and are therefore no guide as to what charges are now reasonable in the case of a great national monopoly; and whether, seeing that the levying of such maximum rates would in the case of nearly all agricultural produce leave no margin of profit to the producer, the Government will, in view of the threatened increase of railway rates to, or almost to, the amount of such maxima, introduce legislation forthwith with the object of reducing such maxima to a level more defensible from the standpoint of modern conditions?
Mr. ROBERTSONI think the hon. Member overlooks the fact that the expense of railway working has advanced considerably since the passing of the Act of 1888. The percentage of expenditure to total receipts in that year was 56, and in 1912 it was 63. The whole question of the railway position is receiving the careful attention of His Majesty's Government, but my right hon. Friend fears that he cannot undertake to introduce legislation at present with the object suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies are representing to all the traders that the fact of the rates not yet having been advanced to the maxima is sufficient justification for the intended increase?
Mr. ROBERTSONWhat the companies say to the traders does not preclude the traders from appealing to the Railway Commission.