12. Brigadier-General PALMERasked the President of the Board of Trade to state on what grounds the railway companies refuse to take empties; and if he is aware of the great inconvenience and loss this is causing small traders?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am not aware that railway companies refuse to take empties when they are able to do so. They realise that it is in many cases important that empties should be returned promptly, and although there have been delays due to difficulties in regard to cartage and other circumstances, I hope that the position may be improved.