Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has information to the effect that the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board has secured reductions in freezing and freight charges, including concessions by the New Zealand railway companies of 5s. per 100 lbs. weight; and whether any corresponding reductions of charges have been made by the English railway companies in the interests of home production?
§ Mr. NEALI have been asked to reply. Upon the first part of the question I have no information. As regards the second part, the railway companies in Great Britain have not yet seen their way to make a general reduction in rates for merchandise traffic, but, I understand, have the matter still under consideration. If their decision be unsatisfactory, it is open to the traders affected to avail themselves of the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921.