§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the excessive freights now charged on livestock exported from this country to foreign ports; that the rates of freights on livestock exported from Great Britain to Buenos Aires and Monte Video have been trebled since 1913; and whether it is possible that any steps can be taken to obtain a substantial reduction in the present rates in order to assist in restoring to some extent the export livestock trade, which at present is practically at a standstill?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONRepresentations as to the freights charged on live stock exported from this country have been made to the Board of Trade, and the matter has been inquired into. Since this inquiry was instituted rates of freight to Buenos Ayres and Monte Video have been reduced in the most important cases by amounts varying from 6 to 12 per cent., and only in the case of poultry is the freight as much as treble the 1913 figure. The shipment of cattle carries contingent liabilities on the ship, which are very heavy in proportion to the freight earned owing to the small number of cattle usually shipped in each vessel. The Board have suggested that shippers should work together to concentrate their shipment and guarantee full deck loads on a small number of vessels, in which case they are satisfied that the rates of freight could be further reduced.