§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that some years ago the Customs authorities at various ports in Ireland issued weekly lists of the imports and exports into and from these ports; and, if so, in view of the importance of securing accurate returns regarding Irish commerce, and the recent declaration of the Board of Trade that 962 they have no objection to separate returns of Irish commerce being made public, the Customs authorities will be instructed to furnish separate returns, as is done in regard to the commerce of the Isle of Man and other places.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Board of Customs inform me that they have no knowledge of the issue of such weekly lists as are referred to in the Question. Nor am I able to trace the separate returns of the commerce of the Isle of Man to which the hon. Member refers. Particulars of direct imports from and direct exports to places abroad are shown for Irish ports in Vol. II. of the Animal Statement of Trade, in the same way as for other ports of the United Kingdom, inclusive of the Isle of Man.
§ MR. FLYNNIf I assure the right hon. Gentleman these returns are obtainable in Cork, will he inquire further?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member will send me one of the statements to which he refers I shall understand what he does allude to. But I confess I cannot trace what he appears to desire.
§ MR. FLYNNMy Question refers to a weekly return. I have seen many of them, and they give the imports and exports of the port.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI am under the impression the lists referred to by the hon. Member are compiled from the bills of entry, and, if so, they would not give an accurate return of the trade of the port.