§ 18. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freights now levied by shipowners is a principal factor in the price of coal and other commodities in Dublin; and whether the Government will take measures to enable a more moderate profit to shipowners in the interest of consumers; and whether he has received a communication from the Port and Docks Board, Dublin, on the subject?
Mr. HARCOURTI have received the communication referred to from the Port and Docks Board, Dublin, and am making some inquiries into the matter. In the meantime, I regret that I am unable to add to the reply already given to my hon. Friend on this subject on 11th July.
§ Mr. FIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Cardiff Shipping Company made a profit last year equal to 187 per cent., and if that be so surely the Board of Trade ought to be able to do something in the way of reducing freights?