HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 c2040W
Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the practice of the railways of the following countries, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Holland, and Denmark, in regard to special rates for agricultural products; and whether any of them make special concessions for agricultural labourers?

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

I have been asked to reply. Railway companies in Great Britain grant exceptional rates for agricultural products, in common with other commodities, where they consider the circumstances justify their doing so. I have no knowledge of any special concessions for agricultural labourers, but where workmen's fares are in operation, they apply equally to agricultural labourers. As regards Continental countries, I understand, although I have no information of recent date, that in many cases special tariffs apply to various classes of agricultural product, and also to other classes of merchandise. I believe that agricultural workmen's tickets have been issued in France.