HC Deb 22 November 1920 vol 135 cc28-9
79. Major MOLSON

asked the Minister of Transport whether legal and other expenses incurred by the railway companies attending the Railway Rates Committee meetings were paid out of public funds; and, if so, why should traders not be treated in the same way?

Sir E. GEDDES

As I informed the hon. Member for Islington South on the 1st of November, I am advised that the costs incurred by the railway companies in presenting their case through Counsel before the Rates Advisory Committee are properly chargeable under the Railway Agreements as a working expense debit-able to the Government. The reason traders cannot be treated in the same way is because they have not got the same agreement.