To ask the President whether his attention has been drawn to the lack of direct transport facilities between Ireland and Manchester; whether he is aware that this is due to the action of the English Clearing House in failing to grant through rates via Manchester, and that, as a result Irish agriculturists and traders have to pay for increased railway haulage; whether he is aware that it costs as much to send consignments from Dublin to Manchester direct by sea as it would cost to send the same consignment via Rosslare and Fishguard, although in the latter case the consignments have to be carried by rail over the greater part of both Ireland and England in addition to the sea journey; whether the Irish railways and steamship companies are bound by the decision of the English Clearing House; and whether, in the interests of the Port of Dublin and of Irish traders, he will take any, and if so, what action in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] TRANSPORT FACILITIES.
The attention of the Minister for Industry and Commerce has already been drawn to the desirability of providing satisfactory facilities for direct transit by sea from ports in An Saorstát to Manchester, and inquiries into the present position are proceeding. The Minister will be glad to discuss the question with any Deputy who is interested.