§ MR. ASCROFTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs—(1) whether his attention has been called to the difficulties which shippers of goods to America experience in satisfying the Customs authorities at New York of the true value of the same; and, (2) whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to ascertain why goods shipped to New York by Messrs. Henry Kay and Co., of Middleton, Lancashire, on the 5th of December, 1894, and 23rd January, 1895, were confiscated and sold?
* MR. CURZONCases of the nature of those mentioned in the first paragraph of the question have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State. If Messrs. Kay and Co. have any information to give to the Foreign Office, in addition to that which has been privately furnished me by the hon. Member, I shall be glad to receive it, and inquiries will at once be made.