§ MR. J. O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say, with reference to the recent falsification of permits by Messrs. Dunville and Co., Belfast, what was the number of cases in which falsification was discovered; what was the maximum penalty for each offence; and what was the amount of the fine paid; and whether he can also say what was the real age of the whisky, and what was the age as stated by Messrs. Dunville on the falsified permits?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HAECOURT,) DerbyThe number of cases discovered was 26. The maximum penalty for each is £550. This figure may, however, be taken as representing the total sum which would have been given if the case had been taken into Court. The fine paid was £500. I am unable to say what was the real age of the whisky. No age was stated by Messrs. Dunville on the permits in question. The number altered or obliterated by Messrs. Dunville does not purport to represent the age of the 1353 whisky, but the year of the last operation on it on warehouse—namely, blending or racking. There was no fraud upon or loss to the Revenue.