§ Mr. LONGDENasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that the incidence of the Derating Act is more favourable to the railway companies in comparison with the coastwise shipping companies and that the grants he is making to the railway companies for purposes of reconditioning further strengthen the railway companies in their competition with the coastwise shipping companies, he is prepared to receive representations from the latter in an appeal for equality of treatment?
Mr. THOMASMy colleagues and I are always prepared to receive representations from responsible shipping associations, but I must not be taken to accept as facts the statements made by my hon. Friend.