§ Mr. LIDDALL(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Redburn Iron and Steel Works at Scunthorpe have been closed down for a considerable time and that the main factor against reopening is the heavy carriage on bars from the Redburn works to Wales; and if he has the power of reducing or influencing the reduction of such railway rates?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThis question concerns rather the Ministry of Transport than the Board of Trade, and I am handing it over to my hon. Friend who is the head of the Ministry of Transport, who will no doubt inquire into it. I may say, in passing, that it appears to be more a case for the Railway Rates Tribunal than for the Ministry of Transport.
§ Mr. HANNONOn a point of Order. In what circumstances has this question been put down as a Private Notice question? It does not seem to me, with great respect, to comply with any of the conditions governing such questions.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question could not have been asked after a Quarter to Four on the ground of urgency or public importance. The time allowed for Questions is one hour, from a Quarter to Three until a Quarter to Four. Any question which can be put during that time, whether or not it is urgent, can be put in the ordinary course, if notice to me has been given.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANOn a point of Order. Why has this question, dealing with freights on railways and canals, been allowed to be put in this way, when questions that have been put in at the Table dealing with excessive passenger fares have been ruled out, on the ground that they ought to have been sent on to the Railway Rates Tribunal?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI cannot say why they have until I see the questions to which the hon. Member refers, but questions are often put to the Minister of Transport.