§ MR. MACFIEasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he intends, or will consider whether he ought, to reduce the fee charged by the Fishery Board in Scotland for branding of herring barrels from the present rate of four pence per barrel, at which, according to the Brands recent Report, it yields much more than pays expenses, to such lower rate as, while leaving no demand to be made on the Exchequer to cover a deficiency, will be less oppressive to persons engaged in the fishery business?
§ MR. BAXTERIt is not, Sir, intended at present to reduce the fee charged by the Fishery Board in Scotland for branding herring barrels, but I have no doubt the whole system of branding will eventually be abolished, as it is no part of the business of Government to affix an official stamp to any article of merchandize.