§ Mr. LOUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to an increase in the freight between Liverpool and South Africa from 47s. 6d. to 85s. per ton in August as compared with July, 1916, a circular being sent out stating that the shippers forming the ring to that country had agreed to these higher freights; and whether the Board of Trade sanctions this increase, or whether it can do anything to secure the maintenance of the rates ruling to July?
Mr. RUNCIMANMy attention has been drawn to the increase in the freight on certain classes of goods between Liverpool and South Africa which took place in August. These rates are not subject to the sanction of the Board of Trade. If my right hon. Friend will communicate with me as to any particular case in which he thinks the increase is unreasonable, I will put the matter to the lines concerned.