Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the proposed increases in railway rates will inevitably impose serious burdens upon trade industry and the cost of living, he will institute forthwith the promised scientific inquiry into the ear- 72W ings of the railways of the United Kingdom, whereby it can be determined what increases, if any, are necessary at the present time; and whether, pending the result of such inquiry, no increase in railway charges shall take place.
§ Mr. NEALThe increases in railway rates recommended in the recently published report of the Rates Advisory Committee took effect on the 15th January last. A systematic inquiry by the Committee into the principles on which railway rates are based and the existing classification is being undertaken and is proceeding, and representative bodies have been invited to submit their views.