MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Dublin Port and Docks Board under their Rules admit the importation of manufactured articles free, especially a great quantity of foreign joinery, whilst the raw material is subject to the payment of heavy dock dues; and whether, in view of the discontent engendered amongst Irish workmen, who state they have previously complained of this bounty system to importers, he can hold out hopes that some remedy will be found for the present state of things?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIn reply to the hon. Member's question, I an informed 1186 by the Dublin Port and Docks Board that manufactured articles entering the Port of Dublin pay no duty as such. The ship conveys them as cargo and pays on her registered tonnage only. Practically there are no dues on goods in Dublin except that in the case of wood, raw material, a charge of 5½d. is made on a ton weight of timber, which it is apparent would not materially affect home manufactures.