MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether amongst the matters now being considered by the Railway Companies are included the practical protection of imports by means of favourable through rates calculated at a much lower ratio per mile than is levied upon native produce in all parts of the Three Kingdoms; whether foreign Railway Companies are equally liberal in their dealings with exports from Great Britain and Ireland; and whether it is Intended to adopt a minimum mileage speed in the transit of live stock, and to restore free passes to the drovers thereof?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir, I am not aware that the Railway Companies have any such policy under their consideration. Their action as regards foreign merchandise is controlled by the 27th section of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act of 1888, which provides—
That no Railway Company shall make nor shall the Court, or the Commissioners, sanction any difference in the tolls, rates of charges made for, or any difference in the treatment of home and foreign merchandise in respect of the came or similar services.I have no reason to believe that a minimum mileage speed for the transit of live stock or any other merchandise is in contemplation or indeed would be useful. I trust that the concession of free passes to drovers accompanying live stock, which has been restored by some Companies will be restored by all.