§ 23. Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state what arrangement has been made as regards the Irish egg export trade, and in particular whether agreement has been reached between the exporters and the carrying companies as to the form of case to be used and the extent to which the risk is to be bony by the owner and the carrier, respectively?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are still in communication with the railway authorities in reference to this matter.
§ Mr. BOLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman say when a final answer will be given, in view of the fact that on 1st March the notice of the railway companies is supposed to come into effect?
§ Mr. DUKEMy hon. Friend will know that the railway companies have to a certain extent an independent power in this matter, and what takes place must be a matter of negotiation between them and the Department. If the hon. Member will communicate with me on the subject in the case of any particular instance in rela- 252 tion to it, where he thinks I may be useful to the trade involved here, I will do all I can.