asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation to rescind or modify Section 61 of the Railways Act, 1924, as being opposed to public interest in that it compels carriers subject to the Act to charge a higher freight than they are willing and anxious to accept.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Freights.
Since in a proper case the Railway Tribunal is empowered by Section 61 of the Act to grant relief from any agreement or arrangement which the Tribunal is satisfied should not be continued, and since all interested parties are thereby enabled to be heard before changes are made in agreements or arrangements on which they have relied, I do not appreciate what case could be made for altering the section.
Arising out of the Minister's answer to that question, I want to ask him if he is aware that under that particular section the City of Cork Steam Packet Company are attempting to deprive southern traders of a daily service to Great Britain at reduced rates and that the Cork Harbour Board at a special meeting yesterday, called for the specific purpose of considering this question, declined to be associated with the City of Cork Steam Packet Company in this effort to restrict facilities and to prevent a reduction of freights?
Is that on this question?
Are you aware of it?
I am.