§ 76. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the railway freight rebates which came into effect on the 1st December last are adversely affecting merchant and inland millers in their competition for trade as against the port miller; and, for example, that whole maize and barley are distributed from Hull to grist mills within a radius of 70 miles, the carriage on which for this distance is between 11s. and 15s. per ton, while the port miller is sending the ground products of these cereals the same distance with a 10 per cent. rebate equal to 1s. to 1s. 6d. per ton; and whether he will consider amending the Schedule to the Local Government Bill so that the rebate shall cover all whole grain used for stock-feeding purposes?
§ Captain BOWYER (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. An Amendment to the Eleventh Schedule of the Local Government Bill, on the lines suggested in the last part of the question was rejected by the House after a full discussion on the 1st February. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to reopen the matter.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister whether, if the fears of the millers turn out to be correct, he will consider amending the Bill at a later stage?
§ Captain BOWYERI understand that an Amendment on this subject will probably come up for discussion to-night, and I expect that my right hon. Friend will then be able to answer any questions upon it.