HC Deb 23 August 1909 vol 9 cc1913-4W
Colonel LONG

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will obtain from the railway companies now desirous of powers to amalgamate or form legal working agreements a statement of the advantages they believe will result to the public if they are permitted to work together, and an explanation of what benefit they propose to give, in rates or facilities to traders and agriculturists, in consideration of concessions made to them; and whether he will invite the Board of Trade

Departmental Committee now sitting to consider the question of railway amalgamation to take the evidence of the railway

companies as to what advantages they propose to give to the public, and to allow traders and agriculturists to give evidence after the railway companies have stated their views of the benefits which will result to the public if they are allowed to amalgamate?

Mr. TENNANT: I have no doubt that matters such as those referred to in the question are fully in the minds of Members of the Committee now considering certain questions relating to railway amalgama-

tions and agreements. I am communicating the hon. Member's question to the Chairman, but I cannot interfere with the discretion of the Committee as to the character and order of the evidence to be taken.