All shipbound exports from Northern Ireland to North America currently have to be transported to larger ports in Britain and northern Europe.

Officials at several of the larger ports say they have been able to sustain normal operations but smaller port facilities are struggling.

These days, Japan's larger ports soak up all the business, and local banks, crippled by a stagnant economy and shrinking customer base, scrap for profits.

Sir, -The protest by the Kilmore Quay fishermen (Home News, October 5th) reflects the anger of their contemporaries in all our larger ports.

The great proportion coming through New York is seen by comparison of the total admissions for 1904 and 1905 at the larger ports: