§ Mr. W. SHAWasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the recent increase in railway rates on timber from the North of Scotland is seriously hampering the trade in that district; and whether he will recommend a reduction on the rates now ruling, especially as many of the timber merchants who hold the timber, were urged to purchase it during the War by the Government, and are now faced with loss owing to the increased cost of marketing?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONEasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, owing to the large increase of railway rates seriously affecting the long - distance haulage of home timber in Scotland, the trade in home timber is threatened with extinction; and that the present high railway rates will unduly affect the scheme of afforestation and will tend to restrict its development; and whether any modification can be given on the rates for long-distance timber traffic?
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§ Sir E. GEDDESThe recent increases which have been made in the railway rates for the conveyance of timber are in accordance with the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee. The views of various associations connected with the timber trade were placed before, and very carefully considered, by the Committee and, in the circumstances, I regret that I cannot see my way to make any exception from the general increases. As the hon. Members are probably aware, the Committee are now engaged on an inquiry as to the future basis of railway rates.