§ 63. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport the rates of freight in operation or authorised by him on 1st January, 2348 1943, and 18th March, 1946, for the carriage of oranges from Palestine, South Africa, Brazil and Jamaica, apples from the Northern sea board and North America, Australia and South Africa and onions from Egypt; how these rates compare with those in operation at 1st January, 1939; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the present rates to more normal proportions.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)This traffic is normally carried in liner tonnage. In the liner tariffs, rates vary according to the nature of the packing and the conditions of stowage. I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the rates for which he asks. Before the war, the particular traffics mentioned by my hon. Friend were usually arranged under contract for each season, and the freights were influenced by competitive and other considerations. In present circumstances I do not think that the existing rates are unreasonable.