HC Deb 05 July 1923 vol 166 cc613-4
59. Mr. COLLISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture the railway charges on oats for the years 1913, 1919, and 1922?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to answer this question. While I am not in a position to furnish the hon. Member with the quantum of the charges, I would point out that the rates in operation for oats in two-ton lots and upwards were increased on and from 15th January, 1920, by 50 per cent. plus 6d. per ton. On the 1st of September, 1920, the percentage of increase was raised to 100 per cent. over pre-War plus 9d. per ton. On 1st August, 1922, this latter increase was reduced to 75 per cent. plus 4d. per ton, and from 1st May last it was further reduced to 50 per cent. plus 4d. per ton over the pre-War rates.

Mr. COLLISON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this produce can be brought from a Canadian port to Liverpool for the same charges as from Liverpool to Manchester, and that if farmers are to meet foreign competition successfully there will have to be some substantial reduction in railway charges?

Colonel ASHLEY

Those excellent points should be put to the Railway Rates Tribunal.