§ 7. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will indicate the policy of the British Government in respect to railway development in China so far as it affects equal opportunities in point of freight charges; and whether he will state what is the actual practice in this respect of lines now in existence in China built or run by nationals of other Powers?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Government have a right to claim and endeavour as far as possible to secure that the freight rates on all lines in China shall not be so framed as to discriminate for or against the goods of any country. As far as they are aware no discriminatory rates are in force on any line in China, with the possible exception of certain through rates on the South Manchurian Railway, the exact effect of which at present forms the subject of discussion between them and the Japanese Government, and with regard to which I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for South-West Manchester on 10th March.