§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause inquiries to be made, and issue a report upon the subject of preferential rates granted to foreign importers by the carrying corporations.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I assume the hon. Member's Question relates to rates charged on railways, and I would refer him to the reply to a similar Question on 11th February, I904.£ The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the alleged preferential treatment accorded to imported agricultural produce is engaging the attention of a Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture.
†See (4) Debates, cxxix, 1028.