§ MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that one ton of potatoes delivered in London (Borough) Market from Germany costs 6s., whilst one ton of potatoes from Bexley, Kent, costs from 9s. to 10s.; whether he will inquire into this preferential treatment to foreign importers; and whether the same ratio is preserved in through rates for foreign goods imported into Ireland.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD of TRADE (MR. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralNo, Sir; I doubt much the accuracy of the figures quoted by the hon. Member. I should be surprised if the cost of a ton of potatoes were lower than 70s. a ton in the London market whatever their origin. As regards railway rates I have intimated before that the Board of Trade would be happy to deal with any specific complaint if it were laid before them in accordance with Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, but it is not the business of the Department to make any general inquiry.