§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what has been and what is at present the toll levied on Irish cattle landed at Merklands Wharf (Glasgow); whether the charge is higher than at other ports; and whether the Department is using its influence to get it reduced?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe charges now being levied at Merklands Wharf are 2s. 6d. per head of cattle for twenty-four1378W hours' accommodation, and 6d. per head for any subsequent period not exceeding twenty-four hours. These charges, which are higher than at any other landing place, have been only provisionally sanctioned by the Board under Article 6 of the Animals (Landing from Ireland) Order. The Board are in communication with the Glasgow Corporation with a view to a reduction.
§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether harbour authorities in Scotland make the same charge for lairage of store cattle as for fat cattle; and, if so, whether he will endeavour to arrange a lesser charge for the former in future?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The distinction between fat cattle and store cattle is in many cases a matter of opinion, and it would be impracticable to differentiate between the two classes in fixing the charges for lairage accommodation.