HC Deb 16 March 1922 vol 151 cc2374-5
87. Mr. M. STEVENS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, as the Railway Rates Tribunal will almost certainly be fully occupied for two years in adjusting the millions of railway rates and charges upon a reasonable basis for trade and for railway revenue, he will see that no other duties beyond those provided for in the Railways Act, 1921, are undertaken by the tribunal until that most important revision is completed?

Mr. NEAL

I am fully aware of the considerations to which my hon. Friend draws attention. They will be borne in mind if occasion arises, but, as he will appreciate, it is not possible to give a general undertaking such as he suggests.

Mr. STEVENS

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the question arises to-day of a Bill which is down for the Second Reading this afternoon and has he considered if that provision is conceded that it will mean that every railway company in the country and every road carrier may reasonably ask for it to come into operation?

Mr. SPEAKER

That Bill has been put off until the 31st March.