HC Deb 12 February 1920 vol 125 cc252-5W
Mr. STEVENS

asked the Minister of Transport what notice or document authenticated by the seal and signature of the Minister of Transport is available to the public as evidence that the increases in the railway rates announced by the Clearing House to come into force on 15th January, 1920, have been authorised by him under Section 3 (1) (e) of The Ministry of Transport Act, 1919?

Mr. NEAL

The railway companies of whose undertakings possession has been retained or taken were given the necessary statutory directions as to the increased rates to be charged on and from the 15th January. The Ministry of Transport Act docs not provide that these directions shall be available to the public, but for the general information of the hon. Members of this House I will have a copy of one of such directions printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT as part of this answer.

Following is a Copy of Directions referred to—

TO THE DIRECTORS OK THE LONDON AND SOUTH WESTERN… … … RAILWAY COMPANY.

In pursuance of the powers in that behalf contained in the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, the Minister of Transport hereby directs that in respect of the undertaking of the Loudon and South Western………Railway Company, the existing Tolls, Rates and Charges (whether ordinary, special or exceptional) with the additions set out in the Schedule hereto (subject to the modifications and exceptions therein appearing) shall, on and from the 15th day of January. 1920. be charged.

Given under the Seal of the Minister of Transport this 23rd day of December, 1919. Sealed.

(Signed) J. R. BROOKE.

Assistant Secretary.

PART I. (contd.).
Description of Merchandise, &. Additions to the existing Tolls, Hates and Charges.
(3) Merchandise in Class "B" of the General Railway Classification (other than patent fuel). 40 per cent. and a fiat rate addition of 3d. per ton. irrespective of distance, subject to a minimum addition to the existing toll, rate or charge of 6d. per ton and a maximum addition of 3s. per ton.
(4) Merchandise in Class "C" of the General Railway Classification. 50 per cent. and a flat rate addition of 6d. per ton, irrespective of distance.
(5) Merchandise in Classes 1–5 of the General Railway Classification. 60 per cent. and a flat rate addition of 1s. per ton, irrespective of distance.
(6) Rolling stock. 60 per cent.
(7) Live stock conveyed by merchandise train at truck rates. 60 per cent. and a flat rate addition of 1s. per truck, or part truck, irrespective of distance.
(8) Live stock conveyed by merchandise train at head rates. 60 per cent.
(9) Carriages of every description included in the carriage class contained in the General Railway Classification (not being a carriage adapted and used for running on the railway), and vans and caravans, when conveyed by merchandise train. 60 per cent with a flat rate addition in the case of vans and caravans of 2s. 6d, per vehicle irrespective of distance.
(10) Small parcels (as defined in Part VI of the Railway Rates and Charges Orders) conveyed by merchandise train. 100 per cent.
(11) Returned empties conveyed by merchandise train or by passenger train, or other similar service:—
(a) Consigned from one consignor to one consignee and conveyed in full truck loads. 50 per cent.
(b) In other cases. 100 per cent.
(12) Merchandise and parcels conveyed by passenger train or other similar service (including perishable merchandise specified in Part V. of the Railway Rates and Charges Orders, Live-stock and Vehicles). 50 per cent.
(13) Traffic not falling within the foregoing descriptions conveyed by merchandise or by passenger train or other similar service. 60 per cent.
MODIFICATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS.
(a) Fruit and vegetables (other than hothouse produce), eggs, butter, cream, soft-cheese and poultry, conveyed by passenger train, or other similar service. 25 per cent.
(b) Potatoes and vegetables in Class "C" and roots in Classes "B" and "C" of the General Railway Classification, fruit, hay and straw (conveyed by merchandise train in loads of 2 tons and upwards). 25 per cent. plus the flat rates applicable and hereinbefore specified, irrespective of distance.
(c) Merchandise and live-stock conveyed to and from Great Britain and Ireland. The existing surcharges for sea-transit to be reduced to the following amounts:—
per ton.
Merchandise 10s. per head.
Horses, mules and other beasts of burden 10s.
Cattle and calves 5s.
Pigs, sheep and goats 2s.
Lambs and other small animals 1s.
(d) Milk (fresh), manure in bulk, packed manure, basic slag and lime for agricultural purposes; parcels and mails for His Majesty's Postmaster-General. No increase in the existing rates or charges.

PART II.
Description of Service or Accommodation. Additions to the Existing Charges.
(1) Provision of trucks for the use of traders when not included in the conveyance rate. 50 per cent., with a minimum charge of 9d. per ton.
(2) Collection or delivery of merchandise conveyed by merchandise train. 1s. 6d. per ton for collection, 1s. 6d. per ton for delivery, in addition to the percentage increases of, and fiat rate additions to, any "Collected" and/or "Delivered" rate.
(3) Cloak rooms. Minimum charge per article, 2d.

In cases where any addition to the existing toll, rate, or charge involves a fraction of a penny in the toll, rate, or charge to be charged under this Schedule, the fraction,