HC Deb 02 April 1917 vol 92 cc882-3
4. Mr. EUGENE WASON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now heard from the Railway Executive Committee as to whether they intend to insist on the prepayment of fish by passenger train; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?

Mr. ROBERTS

After very careful consideration of this matter in consultation with the Railway Executive Committee, the Board of Trade have come to the conclusion that in present circumstances it is desirable that the liability should be on the sender to pay the charges on the carriage of goods sent by passenger train, as this will reduce considerably the clerical work of the railway companies. I understand, however, that there may be special difficulties with the fish traffic at some of the Scottish ports if this requirement is applied generally, and in the circumstances it is not proposed to alter the existing practice at Scottish ports as regards fish.

Mr. WASON

So far as Scotland is concerned it will be entirely exempted from the new Regulation?

Mr. ROBERTS

That is so.

Mr. WING

Will this apply to fishing ports like Grimsby and Shields, where very great difficulty would be caused by the new Regulation?