§ MR. KENNYasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, If his attention has been called to a dispute between cattle importers and the Bristol Corporation Docks Committee; if the individuals comprising the Docks Committee have attempted to levy an import duty of three pence per head upon Irish cattle landed at the port of Bristol; if, upon the refusal of the importers to pay this impost, 3,000 Irish cattle were impounded by order of the Docks Committee, and if Bristol police were employed in the work of impounding; and, if the Government proposes taking any steps to prevent any such interference with the staple trade of Ireland?
§ MR. TREVELYAN, in reply, said, that a letter had been put into his hands written by the Clerk of the Bristol Town Council, which he thought would answer the hon. Member's Question. He said that the docks of Bristol belonged to the Corporation, who were advised that under the Local Act of last Session they had power to impose a dock-rate on cattle landed at the docks, and more than a month ago the Town Council resolved to levy a rate of 3d. per head on all cattle so landed. Of this rate full notice was given, but some of the importers refused to pay it and withdrew their cattle. Upon being informed that steps would have to be taken to prevent the cattle being removed until the rate had been paid, and on seeing preparations being made to prevent removal, the leading importers, to avoid inconvenience to the business, met the Corporation officials and arranged to pay the rates under protest until the legality of the rates had been determined by the Law Courts. This arrangement was now being carried out, and proceedings to test the legality of the rate had been commenced. No cattle had been impounded, and consequently the Bristol police could not have been engaged in impounding cattle. The hon. Member would see that the rate was not a differential duty on Irish cattle.
§ MR. KENNYasked if it were on the authority of the Town Clerk of Bristol that the right hon. Gentleman had stated no cattle were impounded, and did he know that the newspaper reports stated Irish cattle had been impounded?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Town Clerk denies that. The matter is not one that in its present stage could possibly attract the interference of the Government. It is a legal question. The only point on which the Government ought to inform itself—the Board of Trade I believe is the Department—is whether this rate was levied against any particular country or part of the country.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider the advisability of recommending the Town Council of Bristol to levy a protective duty of 3d. per head upon all foreign cattle?
§ [No reply.]