78 



Railway Rates. 



[may, 



have made in this respect in a form convenient for reference by 

 those concerned. 



7. Foreign and Colonial Produce. 

 8. Rates and Charges from Rural Stations. 



Lord Onslow had hoped that the publication of such informa- 

 tion as the Companies might have been in a position to supply- 

 in response to his enquiries under these heads might have had 

 the effect of removing the existing feeling amongst agricul- 

 turists that they are not fairly treated as compared with con- 

 signors of agricultural produce from the ports of arrival and the 

 larger urban centres. He recognises, however, the difficulties 

 and the extensive and onerous correspondence which would 

 probably have arisen if publicity had been given to the informa- 

 tion asked for without examination and explanation. He has 

 recently had the advantage of personal communication with the 

 Chairmen of some of the Companies owning lines of steamers 

 and mainly concerned with the carriage of produce between the 

 Continent and the Channel Islands and this country, who have 

 kindly promised to afford him every facility in the matter.. 

 Lord Onslow therefore proposes to appoint a Departmental 

 Committee — 



" To enquire as to the rates charged by Railway Companies 

 in Great Britain in respect of the carriage of foreign, 

 and Colonial farm, dairy, and market garden produce 

 from the port of shipment or of arrival to the principal 

 urban centres, and to report whether there is any evi- 

 dence to show that preferential treatment is accorded to- 

 such produce as compared with home produce, and, if 

 so, what further steps should be taken, either by legisla- 

 tion or otherwise, to secure the better enforcement of 

 the law in the matter." 

 The enquiry would naturally commence with those Companies 

 with the Chairmen of which Lord Onslow has recently been in, 

 personal communication, but he believes that the appointment 

 of the Committee, the constitution of which he hopes shortly 

 to be able to announce, may do much to promote friendly 

 relations between the Companies and the great industry of which 

 he is the official representative, and he trusts therefore that the: 



