CAPTAIN AYLMERasked, Whether the Customs Duties at Gibraltar produce a revenue in excess of expenditure; whether the Government have in contemplation an increase in the Duties charged on coal and other imports from the United Kingdom; and, whether the greater part of these imports are not, so imported for supply of shipping, and for the use of the troops stationed there?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, there are no Customs duties at Gibraltar properly so called, it being a free port. The Revenue is not more than enough to defray the present public expenditure. In fact, a slight deficit is feared. It is not intended to place duties on coal or other imports from England now admitted free; but the charges on wines, beer, spirits, and tobacco landed will be slightly raised, with a view to insure the future equilibrium of the finances. Most of the articles named are undoubtedly consumed by the shipping and garrison; but their price will be very slightly raised in consequence of these changes.