§ MR P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is a fact that, in consequence of the wholesale traders of Cork declining to bond their goods in the Customs Warehouse owing to the lessee being a rival trader, the Crown is put to the expense of maintaining other warehouses while there is more than sufficient accommodation at the Custom House; and, whether complaints to this effect have been made from several quarters to the Board of Customs; and, if so, what resolution was come to on the question?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)(who replied) said: Since 1882 there has been no increase in the number of the warehouses at Cork. Warehousing accommodation at Cork is in excess of the requirements; but the Board of Customs have not given any new bonds in consequence of the wholesale traders declining to bond with the lessee of the Crown Warehouse. It cannot, therefore, be said that the Crown has been put to expense in consequence of Mr. Foley's action as a trader. Complaints have reached the Customs as to the warehousing charges made by Mr. Foley; but the Board does not interfere with the tariffs adopted by the warehouse keepers. As opportunities offer, the warehousing accommodation at Cork will be reduced.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)observed, that the hon. Gentleman said there had been no increase in the warehouse accommodation since 1882; but he (Dr. Tanner) was at the opening of a new warehouse in Nile Street in 1885.
§ MR. P. M'DONALDasked if the complaint would receive consideration?
§ [No reply.]