HC Deb 04 July 1907 vol 177 cc884-5
Captain CRAIG

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is ‡ See (4) Debates, clxxii., 750. aware that the Dutch ketch "Cosmopolite" was recently seized by H.M.S. "Skipjack," for smuggling, and that the charge was heard at Skibbereen, county Cork petty sessions, on 13th June last, and dismissed by the local bench of magistrates; will he state whether the "Cosmopolite" has yet been released, and, if not, whether it is in consequence of an irregularity at the trial; and what action the Government intend to take.

MR. RUNCIMAN

The hon. Member has correctly stated the facts of this case. The question of the liability of the vessel to forfeiture was not before the justices, and the Commissioners of Customs acting on the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown for Ireland have directed the detention of the vessel and further proceedings to be taken for her forfeiture under section 179 of the Customs Consolidation Act of 1876.