HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1887-8
78. Mr. EUGENE WASON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received petitions from the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, the Aberdeen Fish Trade Association, and the Alloa fishermen, pointing out the injurious effects that the prepayment of the railway carriage on fish would have on the fishing industry throughout the country; whether a largely attended deputation of representatives of the fishing industry attended last Wednesday, the 14th, a meeting of the Railway Executive Committee; whether he has received any reply from that body as to the course of action they intend to pursue: and what steps he proposes to take?

79. Mr. TICKLER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the railway companies have given notice to the public that on and after 2nd April next all fish consigned by passenger trains must be carriage-paid in advance; that this regulation will be a hardship to the consignors, many of whom, owing to the high price of fish, have their capital fully employed; and will he recommend to the Railway Executive Committee that the present conditions be allowed to stand?

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

I have received several representations of an important character with regard to the effect on the fishing industry of the proposed prepayment of passenger train traffic, but I am not at the moment in a position to say more than that I am in communication with the Railway Executive Committee as to the possibility of making some concession in this matter.

Mr. E. WASON

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement at an early date, because the Order comes into force on the 2nd April? Will he be able to make it next week?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am aware of the urgency, and will facilitate the matter as far as practicable.

Sir J. AINSWORTH

Would it not be easier to arrange that the consignee should be liable if the consignor is not able to prepay owing to weather and other reasons at the moment of dispatch?

Mr. ROBERTS

I will take note of that suggestion.