§ MR. HOOPER (Cork, S.E.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is aware that merchants and traders at Cork, when paying duty through the Custom House there, have to pay for each entry passed a tax of 1s., which is called "Entry Tax;" whether this tax was originally levied in several ports, but was subsequently abrogated as regards all these ports except Cork; whether is any reason why an exceptional 52 impost should be continued in the single case of Cork, to the disadvantage of local traders; and, whether he can take any measures for their relief in this matter?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I find, on inquiry, that merchants and traders at Cork have to pay 1s. on passing each entry at the Custom House. The duty, however, does not go into the Exchequer, but to the Cork Harbour Commissioners and the Trustees of the Cork Commercial Buildings. It is levied under a local Act of 1814. The Board of Customs are not aware whether any similar duty was originally levied at other ports. In these circumstances, the hon. Member will see that it is for the Local Authorities, and not the Government, to take steps, if thought desirable, for the modification, or abolition, of the duty. I have no means of knowing how far the Local Authorities may have contracted loans on its security.