asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the foreign shipping combines using Saorstát ports have recently considerably increased freights on exports of Saorstát produce (notably cattle and other animals to British markets), while at the same time freights from Canada and the Argentine to British ports have been considerably reduced; whether he has investigated the cause of these extra impositions against shippers of Saorstát produce, or made any representation to these shipping monopolies for their removal; whether, as these abnormal rates seriously jeopardise the interests of Saorstát producers in British markets, he will take the necessary legislative action to protect the interests affected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FREIGHTS ON SAORSTAT EXPORTS.
I am aware that following an increase in the British railway rates, and solely on this account, cross-Channel through rates were increased as from the 1st March, 1927. I have no information regarding the rates from Canada and the Argentine to British ports. The whole subject has received attention, and I am endeavouring to arrange a conference between the representatives of the livestock trade and the cross-Channel steamship companies to discuss the freights charged by the companies. No Government department has any jurisdiction over the rates charged by independent steamship companies. To introduce legislation taking such powers would be a step requiring very serious consideration and would be a matter of great difficulty. So far as Saorstát railway rates are concerned the Railways Act, 1924, provides safeguards for traders through the medium of the Railway Tribunal.