§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the rate for the carriage of tea from London to Limerick is 34s. per ton, from London to Rathkeale, eighteen miles further than Limerick, it is 53s. 4d. per ton, and from London to Newcastle West, eight miles further than Rathkeale on same line, the rate is 46s. 7d. per ton; will he explain why is the difference between the rate to Limerick and Rathkeale 19s. 4d. or about 1s. per ton per mile, seeing that the rate to Newcastle West is 6s. 9d. less than to Rathkeale; and is he aware that the rate for tea from London to Rathkeale previous to the amalgamation of the Waterford and 141 Limerick Railway with the Great Southern and Western was 44s. 10d. per ton, or 8s. 6d. per ton less; and whether he will take any steps to remedy the alleged grievance.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe Department are advised they have no authority under the Agriculture and Technical Instruction Act of 1899 to intervene in questions affecting rates on such articles as imported tea. They have no information on the third inquiry. The reply to the last inquiry is in the negative.