HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1786-7W
Sir T. ESMONDE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government propose to take to reduce the rates of freight now charged by shipping firms on agricultural and other produce exported from Ireland to Great Britain, and on coal and other articles exported from Great Britain to Ireland; and if he is aware that the present rates for sea-borne freight to and from Irish ports is three times what they were before the War?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The whole question of the increase of freights, which is caused mainly by the scarcity of tonnage, is engaging the constant attention of the Government, and steps have already been taken to relieve the situation by restricting the use of British ships abroad and by requisitioning ships for the carriage of foodstuffs.