§ 84. Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has received a communication dealing with the increase in transit of fish from Dingle to English ports; and whether, seeing the importance of the industry to this district and the value of fish as a food, he will take steps to secure that it is carried at its former rate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department have received communications in regard to 329 increased charges for the conveyance of cured mackerel from Dingle to Liverpool. It appears that in May, 1914, the rate was increased from 14s. a ton to 17s. a ton, and that subsequently the companies decided to charge for consignments at actual gross weight instead of regarding, as formerly, seven barrels as a ton. The Department made inquiries as to the increased rate and were informed that the rate of 14s. a ton was unremunerative and that the companies responsible for the increase could not see their way to revert to this rate. With respect to the question of regarding seven barrels as a ton, the companies are entitled to charge for actual weight.