§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, whilst small traders in Ireland are charged prohibitive rates for the conveyance of their goods by Irish railway companies, manufacturers and wholesale merchants enjoy the privilege of specially reduced railway terms, which enable them to handicap the smaller business men; and, if so, can he state what steps, if any, will be taken to bring about an equalisation of rates?
Mr. BUXTONIt is a recognised practice to charge a lower rate for large and frequent consignments of traffic than for small lots, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which he thinks that the small trader in Ireland is unfairly handicapped, I shall be glad to look into the matter.