§ MR. A. C. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the supply of Irish mackerel and herrings coming via New Milford, on the Great Western Railway, to London, has been reduced to about one-fourth of what it was three years back owing to the high railway rates charged, namely, 57s. 6d. per ton as compared with the charge of 30s. per ton from New Milford to Liverpool; and whether he will make representations to the Railway Company to induce them to lower these rates, and so facilitate the bringing to London of a good and cheap supply of fresh fish?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideI have no information as to the amount of fish coming viâ Milford and Neyland to London on the Great Western Railway. The amount of fish returned as landed at Neyland and Milford for the last three years does not show any decrease. In 1889 there were landed at Neyland and Milford (which are practically one port) 270,576 cwts. of fish, excluding shell fish, and in 1892 there were lauded 370,687 cwts. In 1889 there were brought inland from the ports of Milford and Neyland 394,080 cwts., and in 1892 429,600 cwts.
§ MR. A. C. MORTONIs it in accordance with the law for the Company to allow these preference rates in favour of Liverpool?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIf there is a preference rate it is illegal. I will have the matter inquired into.