§ 90. Captain DIXONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board propose to increase the charges on Irish cattle landed at Birkenhead from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per head and on sheep from 2d. to 3d. per head; whether these increased charges are viewed with strong apprehension by the Irish cattle traders and will impose a heavy tax on Irish stockowners, already severely hit by the post-war slump in prices; and whether he proposes to take action to prevent this further increase in the port charges?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Boscawen)The Board are aware that certain increases in the charges on Irish cattle landed at Birkenhead have recently been made. These increases were made with the Board's authority, and they are necessitated by the increases of wages made to the employés at the Mersey Cattle Wharf.
§ 91. Captain DIXONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture on what date the control prices of cattle will cease; whether unrestricted trading in cattle with Great Britain will be permitted from the date control ceases; and whether, from the date on which con- 575 trol ceases, Irish traders will be allowed to ship live stock direct to the Continent to meet the shortage of food there?
Sir A. BOSCAWENIt is at present anticipated that the control of the price of cattle will cease on 30th September next, after which date such restrictions of movement will remain as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894 and 1896. With regard to the last part of the question it should be addressed to the Vice-President of the Irish Department of Agriculture, etc.