COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Midland and Great Western Railway Company of Ireland has lately raised some of its charges for freight from 20 to 120 per cent.; if the principal distiller in Galway is now for the first time preparing to send his goods by sea owing to the high railway rates; and if Galway buyers are now being deterred by the rates from purchasing agricultural produce in Ballinasloe; and if he will bring in a Bill to regulate excessive freights by Railway Companies holding a monopoly of the inland carrying trade?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have received several complaints of the rates charged by the Midland and Great Western Railway Company of Ireland, and I am in communication with the Company, through the Railway Association, on the subject. I am not able to say what action it will be necessary for me to take until I see the result of the negotiations which are now being daily conducted. I have no information on the second portion of the hon. and gallant Member's question.
COLONEL NOLANasked if the right hon. Gentleman could say when he would be likely to know what action could be taken—in a week or a month?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will address to me a specific complaint, I will, in a very short time, give him a specific answer; but I cannot say what action will be taken on the general complaint as to railway rates. The Companies must be allowed time for revision.
COLONEL NOLANsaid he had named the railway and the percentage of rise. He had obtained his information from a meeting of traders. They wanted some specific answer to their complaint.
§ MR. MUNDELLAsaid that if the hon. and gallant Member would give any specific instance of goods carried by the railway in question at advanced rates, he would ask the Company to explain the increase. He could not do it on a general statement.