§ Sir F. NELSONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the freight on German potatoes from a German port and delivered in Gloucester is less than 20s. per ton, whereas carriage on potatoes from Lincolnshire to Gloucester is about 32s. 6d. per ton; and will he consider whether in this and in similar cases some relief can be given to the farmer in the way of assisting him to market home produce more cheaply?
Mr. GUINNESSI have no precise information regarding the freight of 20s. per ton quoted, which is apparently merely a port-to-port water charge, and is not in any way comparable with railway rates. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the Railway Rates Tribunal was specially constituted by the Railway Act, 1921, to dealinter alia with applications for reductions in railway rates.