HC Deb 28 June 1917 vol 95 cc528-9
89. Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether preferential low rates are now available for the transit of imported goods and commodities into the three kingdoms; and whether he will consider the advisability of having the shipping and rail charges separated in future?

Mr. ROBERTS

Under the provisions of Section 27 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, railway companies are prohibited from making any difference in the rates for the carriage of home and foreign merchandise in respect of the same or similar services, but I shall be happy to investigate any case which the hon. Gentleman may have in mind. Railway companies carrying merchandise partly by land and partly by sea are required to state what proportion of their through rates is for conveyance by sea and what proportion is for conveyance by land.

Mr. FIELD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the, fact that the railway companies have continuously refused to give the information?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman will direct our attention to any particular case we will require the railway companies to give the information desired.