asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that prices of live stock are now down to the 1913 level, and that freights on live stock are over twice what they were in 1913, and if he can take any steps to remedy this serious position in the live stock trade.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LIVE STOCK PRICES AND FREIGHTS.
I am aware that railway rates for live stock are approximately 100 per cent. over the 1913 figures, but I am informed it is not possible for the companies to base their rates on the present prices obtainable for live stock, owing to the great increase in railway working expenses. The Railway Tribunal will shortly be fixing the standard charges applicable to the Great Southern Railways Company, and, in accordance with the terms of the Railways Act, 1924, representatives of the live stock trade will have an opportunity of making their case before the Tribunal. I would particularly direct the Deputy's attention to Section 53 (2) of the Railways Act, which provides:—
"The Railway Tribunal when fixing charges in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall have regard to the means which in their opinion are best calculated to ensure the maximum development and extension in the public interest of the carriage by railway of merchandise and of passengers and their luggage, and shall accordingly ascertain as far as may be practicable the effect which the existing charges, or any of them, have had upon the merchandise or passenger traffic to which they are applicable, and, in particular, whether the application of such charges has tended or, if continued, would be likely to tend towards the increase or diminution of the said traffic."
Is the Minister aware that the booked through rate is higher than the booked locally and rebooked rates, and will he do anything to lower the rates, for, if he cannot, it will be disastrous for farmers and exporters in our largest industry? If the Minister cannot see his way to lower the rates the country will have nothing to go on.
The Deputy cannot make a speech now.
I seldom make a speech. I am only trying to ask a question.
I allowed the Deputy to make a speech because he does not often make one, but he cannot proceed further with it now.
The reply to the Deputy's question is that I have no power over railway rates. This House decided that no Minister should have power over such rates, and a tribunal was set up to deal with it.
Is it not time somebody had power to deal with it?
There is power in somebody, and the particular tribunal was established by an Act of this House, and it is for traders to make their case before it. That tribunal should be given a chance before it is condemned.
We are tired of making our case. It is all "Wait and See."