§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Transport whether the new railway rates bring the cost of carrying English timber higher than the value of the timber in some cases; that this will result in much timber being burnt while similar timber is being imported, and thus affecting exchange existing between this country and Scandinavia and the United States; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?
§ Mr. NEALThe Minister of Transport has no information as to the accuracy of the statements made in this question. The recent increases in railway rates are in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, and the Minister regrets that he does not see his way to make any exception from these general increases. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the Committee are now engaged on an enquiry as to the future basis of railway rates.