HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc209-10
43. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that as Okehampton, Devon, is a non-competitive station on the South-Western Railway, the cost of carriage for coal is from ls. to 2s. 6d. a ton more than to Plymouth, thirty-three miles further on the same railway; and whether, in these circumstances, he will at least equalise the railway rate as between Okehampton and Plymouth from the coal districts, which at the present moment is greater-for carrying coal a lesser distance?

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

Representations have been made to the effect that the Okehampton coal rates are unduly high, and these representations are being investigated.

Mr. LAMBERT

When may these people expect a reply?

Mr. WARDLE

Within the next few days.