§ 38. Mr. BARCLAY-HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet been able to make any arrangement for the reduction of freight charges and fares in the services operated by Messrs. John McCallum and Company and Messrs. Martin Orme and Company in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir. The Government recently concluded an arrangement with these firms by which they are required, in consideration of additional Exchequer payments at the rate of £2,500 per annum, to reduce freight charges and fares by such amounts as will on the average be equivalent to an aggregate reduction of at least 10 per cent. The arrangement is subject to certain conditions designed to ensure that the reductions are suitably applied and to safeguard the Exchequer. The firms concerned intimated their intention to put new rates into operation as from 1st May.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the Secretary of State for Scotland say whether the new freight charges are satisfactory from the standpoint of the merchants concerned?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI understand that they have been well received.