§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Minister of Transport under what Section of which Act the Minister of Transport claims to charge additional tolls in respect of goods which the railway companies have contracted to carry at fixed rates over private railroads, not being railroads within Section 3 (1) (b) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, having regard to the fact that Section 3 (1) (e) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, applies only to a railroad of which possession has been taken in pursuance of Section 16 of the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871, or 624W of Section 3 (1) (b) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919?
§ Mr. NEALThe Minister of Transport claims no power to charge tolls upon any railway, whether controlled or not. His powers as regards this matter extend only to the issue of directions, after consulting the Rates Advisory Committee, as to the rates, fares, tolls, dues, and charges which may be charged by any undertaking of which he has retained or taken possession. Any rates, fares, tolls, dues, and charges so directed may be charged notwithstanding any agreement or statutory provision limiting the amount thereof. The Sections under which these powers arise are Sections 3 (1) (a), 3 (1) (b), and 3 (1) (e) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919.