andMr. Hession asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to a report which appeared in a London newspaper, on 1st September, 1951, wherein it was stated that the navigational rate per ton for transport of grain from the St. Lawrence ports, Canada, to this country was 16/4 per ton in excess of that quoted as chargeable rate to the United Kingdom; and, if so, if he will take steps to have the rates equalised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Transport Rates.
My attention has been drawn to the newspaper report referred to. My information is that 21/3 per quarter (99/2 a ton) was offered to owners of tramp steamers on the 30th August, 1951, for grain transport from St. Lawrence ports to Great Britain but that no business was done at this rate. The newspaper report is inaccurate in so far as it gives the impression that the rate of 21/3 per quarter was quoted by shipowners whereas, in fact, it was the rate at which they were asked to transport the grain.