§ Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies decline to return to manufacturers the empty hampers in which goods have been forwarded to the shippers for shipment, and in particular to the case of Messrs. W. J. and T. Lambert, of Nottingham, who have been advised by Messrs. C. and J. Robertson, 45, Cochrane Street, Glasgow, that the railway company inform them they have a standing order not to accept any empties for Nottingham, and that these hampers now cost £4 each; is he aware that urgent requests for exports cannot be complied with in consequence of this trouble; and 718W will he give instructions for these expensive empty hampers to be returned immediately to Messrs. Lambert and other Nottingham manufacturers similarly prejudiced?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am having inquiries made into the circumstances mentioned, and will communicate the result to the hon. Gentleman.