§ MR. P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the lessee of the Cork Custom House is privileged to use a portion of the Government premises in his capacity of wholesale trader; whether, as warehouse keeper, he is entitled to inform himself of the names and addresses of the shippers and consignees of the goods 937 bonded in his warehouse, and to use; this information as a trade competitor; whether he is aware that, in consequence, certain Cork wholesale merchants have ceased to use the Custom House, and now store their goods in the Excise Warehouse instead; and, whether, under these circumstances, on the next renewal of the lease, he will require the lessee to confine himself solely to his business of warehouse keeper?
THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON)(who replied) said (Leeds, N.)The warehouse in question belongs to the Crown, and is leased to Mr. Foley as a warehouse for the warehousing of tobacco and goods under bond, and for such other lawful business as may be desired. He can, therefore, deal as a wholesale trader. There is nothing to prevent any warehouse-keeper from informing himself of the names and addresses of the shippers and consignees of the goods bonded in his warehouse, and if he thinks fit to use the information as a trade competitor. It is believed to be a fact that certain Cork wholesale merchants object to store their goods in this warehouse for this and other reasons. The lease expires on the 1st of October, 1903, but it may be determined at the cud of each third year of the term by either party; it would be contrary to custom to place any restrictions on the trading practices of a warehouse-keeper so long as they do not interfere with the Customs Regulations.