HC Deb 29 April 1913 vol 52 c975
17. Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the authorities at Ayr are charging 2s. per head for the lairage of Irish cattle, and that since 21st January until 19th April this charge has produced a revenue of almost £4,000; will he state whether the charge has been officially sanctioned and what capital outlay was involved in providing the lairage; and whether, if already granted, it is intended to continue official sanction of a charge which is double the one made at Birkenhead for similar services?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not in a position to state what capital outlay was incurred in providing the lairage at Ayr. The charge of 2s. per head for cattle has only been provisionally sanctioned by the Board and will be reconsidered in due course.

19. Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that eight small store cattle and seven calves, of much less value and requiring less space than larger fat animals, are charged equal rates at Merklands' lairage; whether he will take steps to have those charges reduced in ratio to the value of the animal and the accommodation required; and whether he has received complaints of the tolls levied at Merklands in comparison with those of Birkenhead?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

An inquiry will take place at an early date into the charges for lairage of cattle at Merklands, and the point raised by the hon. Member will be taken into consideration.

Mr. FIELD

Will the Irish shippers in general be entitled to give evidence before that inquiry?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir, any aggrieved person will be entitled to give evidence.