HC Deb 28 February 1917 vol 90 cc1999-2000
67. Mr. EUGENE WASON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is about to issue a new Order for the railways that all consignments of goods be carriage paid by the consignor; whether he is aware that fishermen land their fish at many different ports, often during the night, and that if they have to stay for a long time to get their fish consigned and pay carriage much valuable time will be lost for fishing and much valuable food lost to the community; and whether, the fishermen being short handed at present, he will exempt them from any such Order?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Roberts)

The Railway Executive Committee have announced that from the beginning of April the charges on passenger train traffic must be prepaid. The object of the proposal is to save clerical labour on the railways and I fear that an exemption cannot be made in favour of fish traffic. The requirement relates only to traffic by passenger train.

Mr. WASON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the only way in which to get fresh fish from Scotland here so that it can be used by people in London and other large towns is by sending it by passenger train, and how is it possible for these men to get their fish here if they have to wait for hours and hours in order to pay rates in advance?

Mr. ROBERTS

My information is that it does not involve the delay apprehended by the right hon. Gentleman, but I will look into his representations.

Mr. WASON

Shall I give the hon. Gentleman full particulars or will he receive a deputation on the subject?

Mr. ROBERTS

I should certainly be glad to receive particulars or a deputation.