asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the present harbour dues charged by the Cork Harbour Commissioners on fertilisers are unfair to the agricultural community, and if he will take steps to have them revised immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harbour Dues on Fertilisers.
I am not aware that the position is as suggested by the Deputy. The present maximum rates which the Cork Harbour Commissioners are empowered to charge were fixed by an Order made in 1941, and any representations for reductions in these rates, either generally or in a particular case, should be addressed in the first instance to the Harbour Commissioners.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the dues charged on coal by the Cork Harbour Commissioners are 10d. per ton; the dues charged on artificial manures are 2/9¾ per ton; the dues charged on foreign maize are only 2/6 per ton; and the dues charged on foreign wheat and barley are only 2/6 per ton. Does he consider that it is just to the agricultural community that they should be charged more for fertilisers being brought in here than is charged for other imports? Does he consider it justice that they are charged three times as much for artificial manures as is charged for coal and more than is charged for foreign maize, or foreign wheat, or foreign barley?
The Order was made in 1941 by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to change it? That is what I want to know.