MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the rate per ton for foreign meat from Liverpool to London is 25s., whilst the rate for native meat from Liverpool to London is 50s. per ton; and whether, seeing that this constitutes a preferential rate, inquiries will be made and arrangements entered into to secure an equal rate for imported and native produce?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF TILE BOARD or TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE, Croydon)I have communicated with the London and North Western Company, and understand that the rate for meat from Liverpool to London by goods train is 25s. a ton for a minimum weight of 1071 three tons, without reference to whether the meat is foreign or home produce, and for smaller quantities, above 3 cwt., 40s. per ton is charged irrespective of the source of origin of the meat.