HC Deb 23 February 1914 vol 58 cc1404-5
59. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Port of London Authority have made a practice of allowing rebates on a sliding scale to large payers of dues in spite of Section 15 of the Port of London Act, which lays it down that all dues imposed shall be charged equally in respect of all goods of the same description under the same circumstances in the same dock; and whether, in view of the effect of this practice on small shippers and importers, he will take steps to secure that the intention of Parliament as set out in the Section referred to is carried out?

Mr. BURNS

I may refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stirlingshire, on Thursday last, of which I am sending him a copy.

61. Mr. HOLT

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he will ascertain whether the Port of London Authority assert that it is in their power to grant to any persons preferential dues or allowances on either vessels or goods solely by reason of the amount of dues payable by such persons; and whether, if he finds such a power is claimed, he will forthwith introduce legislation to take it away?

Mr. BURNS

I have transmitted a copy of this question to the Port Authority for their observations, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received a reply.