§ Captain STANIERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his 1296W attention has been called to the sum that is outstanding to the railway companies from merchants and traders who refuse to pay the extra 4 per cent. the railways have charged under the 1913 arrangement; and if he can say what sum this amounts to and if he proposes to enforce the payment of this sum?
Mr. RUNCIMANTraders who have lodged complaints with the Railway and Canal Commission against the increases in rates referred to would appear to be entitled to withhold payment of the additional charges if they so desire, pending the decision of the Commissioner. One such complaint has recently been before the Commission, but judgment has not yet been given. I am not aware what the amount involved amounts to.