asked the President whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the question of through rail and shipping rates via Manchester; whether he has made representations on the subject to the British Railway Companies; and whether, in the interests of the Port of Dublin and of the other ports in the Irish Free State, he will make further urgent representations forthwith.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - THROUGH RAIL AND SHIPPING RATES.
Inquiries into this matter have been pursued. I am informed that there are in existence differential rates in favour of traffic passing from ports in An Saorstát direct to Manchester and to places within a limited distance of Manchester. An extension of differential rates beyond this distance involves a number of considerations which are, I understand, now being discussed between the parties concerned. The question is primarily one for them, and I hope an arrangement will result that will give Irish traffic the natural advantages of a long sea route.