§ MR. FFRENCHI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Wexford steamers doing a weekly cross channel trade pay 50 per cent. and that sailing vessels pay 75 per cent. on their gross registered tonnage; and whether he will order a thorough inquiry with a view to granting a Provisional Order to compel tramp steamers that now contribute only a few shillings to the expenses of the port to pay 50 per cent. on the gross registered tonnage.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am not aware of the proportionate dues paid by steamers and sailing vessels respectively at the Port of Wexford. The Board of Trade have before them at the present time an application from the Wexford Harbour Commissioners for a Provisional Order authorising them to charge dues on the gross tonnage of steamships and steam-tugs instead of on the net register tonnage. Before coming to a decision in the matter, the Board will give an opportunity to the promoters of the order and to those who have sent in objections, of being heard.