§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from the Sheffield, Rotherham and District Millers' Association with regard to the application of the railway freight rebate anticipation scheme to inland flour mills; and, if so, whether he is prepared to grant the concession desired by the association?
§ Captain BOWYERI have been asked to reply for the Minister of Agriculture. Yes, Sir. But I would remind the hon. Member that the freight relief afforded by this scheme is designed to benefit the farmer. As the sum available for this purpose is strictly limited, my right hon. Friend is afraid that he cannot see his way to extend the list of selected traffics in such a way as seriously to reduce the benefit already afforded.
§ Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Transport what has been the result of the freight relief which commenced on 1st December, 1928; and whether the anticipations of the Government have been realised in the reductions of the prices of iron and steel and also export coal?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe railway freight relief scheme has been in operation for barely two months, and it would be premature to attempt any estimate of its results even if it were possible to isolate them from the variety of other factors to be taken into account.