§ 85. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Minister of Transport what time he has allowed under Section 76 of the 15W Transport Act for the laying of a freight charges scheme before the Transport Tribunal.
§ Mr. BarnesI have received an application from the British Transport Commission that I should allow a further period of two years from 5th August next for the preparation and submission to the Transport Tribunal of their draft charges schemes. Any longer period which I may allow must apply to all draft schemes not yet submitted, as I have no power to allow different periods for particular schemes. The further period of two years is likely to be required in relation to the draft scheme for dock charges, which will cover between 80 and 90 undertakings, each of which now has a separate schedule and different charges designed to meet the trade and customs of the particular port.
In the case of the draft merchandise charges scheme, the Commission would require to avail themselves of only a few months of the further period. The primary reason for any postponement in this case is the need to allow further time for further discussions with coastal ship-ping interests, and this need has been endorsed in a communication which I have received from the Coastal Shipping Advisory Committee.
I am giving careful consideration to the Commission's application and will announce my decision shortly.