Mr. FOOT MITCHELLasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that he has the right, under the Railways Act, 1921, Part III, to appear and be heard before the Railway Rates Tribunal, he has so appeared and made any representations regarding the high rates now charged upon agricultural produce and the increases which are stated to be contemplated?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhile the duty is imposed upon me of giving to the Railway Rates Tribunal such assistance as they may require, and of placing at their disposal any information in my possession which I may think relevant to matters before the Tribunal, the initiation of proceedings for a modification of any particular railway charges in force is properly a matter for the interests concerned. Special provision is made by Section 60 of the Railways Act, 1921, for application to the Tribunal accordingly. I have made no representations to the Tribunal that special treatment should be accorded to any particular interests. The schedules of charges submitted by the railway companies' to the Tribunal for approval are now the subject of a public hearing. An opportunity was given for objections thereto to be lodged, and the Tribunal is at present hearing such objections.