§ MR. ROSS (Londonderry)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Great Northern Railway of Ireland carry American bacon, Class 2, at lower rates than Irish dead pigs, Class 1; is he aware of the great loss suffered in consequence by the Irish bacon-curing establishments in the North of Ireland; and will he introduce a clause into the Railway and Canal Amendment Act to prevent this from occurring in future?
§ MR. BURTThe Board of Trade have communicated with the Railway Company on the subject of the hon. Member's question, and are informed that the rates charged for American and home bacon are precisely the same, while dead 1407 pigs have always been charged a higher rate than bacon. The Board cannot undertake to introduce a clause into the Railway and Canal Traffic Amendment Bill, as that Bill has been brought in simply to carry out the recommendations of the Select Committee, and such a clause would be beyond its scope.
§ MR. ROSSMy point is as to the difference in rates for Irish pork which is the raw material and for American bacon. I see no reason for the difference.
§ MR. BURTYes. But the rates for dead pigs have always been higher than those for bacon. If the hon. Member requires further information, I will endeavour to get it.