asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the freight on artificial manure from Limerick to Thurles up to and including 1929 was 7s. 9d. per ton, while it is now 10s. 8d. per ton; and if he can state the reason for this rise, and if he will make representations to the Railway Company or to the Railway Tribunal, as the case may be, to have the rate of 7s. 9d. per ton restored.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Freight.
I understand that in 1929 the general rate for artificial manure was 10s. 8d. per ton, two kinds only being charged 7s. 9d. It appears to have been decided that there was no justification for the reduced rate in the case of these two kinds of manure and that the rate of 10s. 8d. should apply generally to artificial fertilisers. The rate of 10s. 8d. is itself an exceptional rate considerably less than the standard rate applicable normally. I am not prepared to take up questions of particular rates on behalf of the consignors of goods. The decisions of the tribunal were not arrived at without every interest affected being given an opportunity of presenting its case, and if any interest is now dissatisfied it should approach the Railway Company or, alternatively, the Railway Tribunal, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in its rules.
Is the Minister aware that this increase in the freight is going to add to the cost of manure to the farmer, who is practically bankrupt at the present time? Instead of an increase of 2s. 3d. on the railway freight, the farmer should be getting a reduction of the charge of 7s. 9d. per ton.
The interests concerned had an opportunity of presenting their case when this matter was raised by the Railway Company and was before the Railway Tribunal. When people are dissatisfied, there is an opportunity of raising such matters in a particular way. It is not for me to raise them. Otherwise, I should become an agent for raising all sorts of questions affecting individual consignors. I could not undertake to do that.