§ Mr. W. SHAWasked the Minister of Transport if the Railway Rates Advisory Committee have yet reconsidered the question of railway rates on timber from the North of Scotland; if they have not already done so, if he can state when this matter will be considered; and if he is aware that the coal owners of Scotland are anxious to have these timber rates reduced, as if this is not soon done, the cost of producing coal will be increased and the price of fuel to the consumer will have to be raised?
§ Mr. NEALThe rates Advisory Committee are now engaged on a general inquiry as to future basis of railway rates throughout the country. The North of Scotland Home-Grown Timber Association is represented by counsel before the Committee, and it will be open to them and to others interested in timber rates in Scotland to submit their views at an appropriate stage of the inquiry. Meanwhile, I understand that arrangements are being made for a meeting between the representatives of the timber trade and the railway companies to discuss various points which have arisen. I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of any special reduction in the present interim rates in favour of timber. I have no information before me in regard to the last part of the question.