§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company have refused to return to the system of through booking from various inland stations in Ireland which was in operation before the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in recent years; and whether, having regard to the loss inflicted thereby on small consignments of stock, he will use whatever means lie within his power to induce them to revive through booking?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe Board of Trade have no powers with regard to the arrangement of through rates between railway companies and independent steamship companies, but I have asked the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company for their observations on my hon. Friend's question, and I will communicate with him when I receive a reply.