HC Deb 17 July 1916 vol 84 cc687-8W
Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now give an assurance that the English railway companies are now accepting all goods offered for transit to Belfast and the North of Ireland and that all restrictions upon this traffic have been removed?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am afraid that, in existing circumstances, temporary restrictions upon transit may continue to be found necessary to avoid congestion in the case of traffic between particular places or districts in Great Britain and Ireland. I am informed, however, that there is at present no restriction upon the acceptance of cross-Channel traffic to Belfast by the Heysham route, and that in the case of the Fleetwood route full cargoes of goods and empties were carried until Friday last, when, owing to special causes, some restriction had to be placed upon the acceptance of certain classes of goods other than foodstuffs, perishables and Government stores. I am inquiring into the complaints of delay to Belfast traffic of which the hon. Baronet has furnished me with particulars.