§ Mr. Cassellsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that freight charges exercise a crippling effect upon Scottish industry generally, and particularly in the light casting trade in Stirlingshire, making it impossible for industrialists to compete favourably with firms situated south of the border; and is he prepared, in the present state of national emergency, in conjunction with the Minister of Supply, to consider receiving representations from all sides of the industries affected with a view to granting concessions in so far as the said freight charges are concerned?
§ Sir J. ReithThe effect on Scottish industry of freight charges raises general issues with which it would not be possible to deal within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. As to the light casting trade, the railway companies have in operation reduced exceptional rates from Scotland to practically all parts of England and Wales. The reductions to London and Birmingham from the Stirlingshire area are 46 and 39 per cent. respectively from the standard charge. A general increase in railway charges has been authorised in accordance with the financial arrangements between the Government and the railway companies, but representations by representative bodies of traders as to the application of this increase will be considered. There has been no interference with the power of the railway companies to grant, or the jurisdiction of the Railway Rates Tribunal to order, new or reduced exceptional rates without application to the Ministry of Transport.