§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state how much money was raised on sugar cleared in Great Britain for purchasers in Ireland; how many sugar-testing stations are in England and Scotland, and how much their erection and maintenance cost; and will he state why a testing station has not been erected in Ireland.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHNo information is available at the Customs Department of the amount of duty paid in Great Britain on sugar intended for consumption in Ireland. There are four sugar-testing stations in England and three in Scotland. The initial cost for plant, etc., has been about £500, and there is a small annual charge representing part of the pay of the officers employed in testing. It has not been found necessary, as yet, to establish a testing station for sugar in Ireland, as a testing station is only required for unrefined sugar; and since the imposition of the duty, no unrefined sugar has been imported into that country from abroad.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWhen were the testing stations erected? With regard to the continuation of the tax, why should not the wishes of Ireland be taken into consideration?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHmade no reply.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIt's too hard a question perhaps!
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHIt does not seem to require an answer. Testing stations have only been established since the imposition of the duty. I have nothing to add to my answer.