§ 81. Mr. GRITTENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, in view of the fact that the 25 per cent. reduction of the rates for the conveyance of articles or commodities by goods train is of practically no advantage to the fish trade, seeing that the great majority of fish consignments are sent by passenger train, especially from the further ports, only a small balance of such consignments being sent by goods train to the nearer inland markets, and inasmuch as the maintenance of the rates for the conveyance of goods by passenger train at 75 per cent. above the pre-War level forms a, serious obstacle to the revival of a trade which has long been in a state of depression, whether he will, as soon as possible, represent to the railway companies the urgent necessity of the reduction of the rates for the conveyance of fish by passenger train?
§ Mr. NEALAs the hon. and learned Member is aware, the Minister has no power over railway charges, but the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, enable the interests concerned to appeal to the Rates Tribunal if they so wish. I have sent a copy of the hon. Member's question and my reply to the railway companies.
§ Mr. GRITTENIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the fish traders have already put their grievances before the Rates Tribunal and no concessions have been granted—I do not know whether they have even been considered—and, further, why in the case of Fleetwood alone of all the ports is fish sent by goods train charged at goods train rates instead of at passenger train rates, as in all other cases?
§ Mr. NEALI am not aware that any application has been made to the Rates Tribunal. My information is exactly the reverse. I cannot answer without notice a detailed question as to particular rates at particular ports.