§ 42. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has been brought to his notice that since the passage into law of the Railway Rates Act railway companies have reduced competition by pooling arrangements and have thus been enabled to present a formidable front to traders in their attempt to protect themselves from unfair treatment in the form of decreased facilities, decreased railway liability, and unsatisfied claims; and, if so, whether the Board of Trade is prepared to take any steps to see that the Railway Rates Act is not used oppressively against the trading community?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)I am not aware that any new pooling arrangements have been concluded between railway companies since the date mentioned by my hon. Friend, whilst, as regards liability for damage, the Joint Claims Committee, which I presume my hon. Friend has in mind, was set up some ten years ago. The Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1913, merely lays down certain conditions subject to which increased cost of labour shall be regarded as justifying an increase of rate. The Court of the Railway and Canal Commission decide any cases which may come before them under the Act, and I have no power to interfere with their discretion.