§ 10. Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, owing to want of transport, large quantities of hay purchased for use in Birmingham and the surrounding district have had to be left exposed to the weather and consequently is depreciating in value; and whether he will consider the desirability of putting hay in the same position as perishable foodstuffs, which receive priority in railway transport?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)I have been asked to take this question If the hon. Member will furnish particulars of the complaints, including the names of the sending stations, I will 10 inquire into them. I regret I cannot support the suggestion that hay should be included in the category of perishable foodstuffs.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is going on in Hertfordshire and other parts of the country, and will he institute a general inquiry?
§ Sir E. GEDDESNo, Sir, I have no knowledge of it going on generally; a general inquiry will be almost impossible to undertake now.