§ 78. Mr. G. BARKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he has received a communication from the County Council of Monmouthshire calling attention to the high rates charged by the railway companies for the conveyance of goods, particularly foodstuffs, and which is having a detrimental effect on prices generally in the South Wales district, and requesting an early revision of such rates, in order that the price of foodstuffs may he brought more to the level of the wages now received by the workers; and will he take measures to give effect to the request of the Council?
§ Mr. NEALThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not in a position to take any action in the matter, but it is within the discretion of the railway companies to reduce their charges as they deem expedient, and under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, it is also open to any trader or representative body of traders, or to the County Council, to apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal to reduce the charges.
§ Mr. BARKERHas the hon. Gentleman's Department any control over the railway companies whatever?
§ Mr. NEALThe railway companies, in the matter of charges, are now under the system passed by Parliament last year in the Railways Act, 1921.