§ 76. Mr. A. SHORTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether foreign agricultural produce is carried on our railways at cheaper rates than home produce; and, if so, in view of the settlement of soldiers upon the land, and the proposed development of British agriculture, he will approach the President of the Board of Trade with a view to securing a revision of these charges, which are a handicap upon British industry?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Board have no evidence to show that railway companies give any preferential treatment to foreign agricultural produce as compared with home produce. If notice is given me of any railway rate which appears to prejudice British agriculturists in favour of foreign producers, I will investigate it.