§ MR. LOUGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Government can arrange to provide complete monthly and annual statistics of all commodities exported from and brought into Ireland, with a view to providing that country with information respecting its progress, such as is furnished in other civilised States.
§ MR. BONAR LAWAs the hon. Member is doubtless aware, statistics of the trade done directly by Ireland with foreign countries and British possessions are contained in the volumes of the "Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom." No official records exist of the trade passing between Great Britain and Ireland, and I fear that any system that could be devised for collecting such information would prove a hindrance to trade.
§ MR. LOUGHIn view of the fact that practically the whole body of Irish trade is with Great Britain, will not the hon. Gentleman promise to consider whether these vital statistics cannot be provided.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Irish Agricultural Department in Ireland is most anxious to get these statistics?
§ MR. BONAR LAWI am sure if the Irish Office approaches the Board of Trade in that matter we shall be glad to consider their suggestions.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHas the hon. Gentleman no settled convictions on the matter?
§ [No answer was returned.]