§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any figures showing how far the revenue of the Royal Niger Company from spirits has very recently increased?
*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportThe figures are as follows: In 1801 the revenue derived by the Royal Niger Company from the duties on spirits was £23,059; in 1892, £21,865; in 1893, £31,883; in 1894, nil; in 1895, £14,376; in 1896, £15,983. 779 The movement, therefore, has been, on the whole, in the direction, not of increase, but of decrease.
§ *SIR C. DILKEsaid he intended to refer to the last few months since the change of duty.