asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the present high rates charged on shipping light pork to the London market, and whether representations will be made with a view to seeing if it would be possible to have these freights reduced.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REDUCTION OF PORK FREIGHTS.
The question is understood to refer to rates for "fresh pork." The Irish Farmers' Union arranged at the end of last year a General Conference which was attended by, amongst others, representatives of the fresh pork industry, the carrying companies and my Department. A committee was appointed by the Conference to deal with the question of freight charges on fresh pork, and, as a result, a large number of reduced rates to London were arranged to operate from the 1st February, 1928.
The Conference met again on the 29th February, 1928, when dissatisfaction was expressed with the reductions made in the rates. The representatives of the carrying companies explained that the reductions just made were in addition to several reductions previously made, and stated that their financial position did not permit of further reductions.
I am not in a position to make any more effective representations in such a matter than the parties directly engaged in the trade. It is open to them to take the question up again with the carrying companies if so advised.