HC Deb 26 March 1908 vol 186 cc1591-2
MR. CLANCY (Dublin County, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what are the port dues now charged in Dublin on such vessels as the steamers of the London and North Western Railway Company; and what are the analogous dues charged on vessels moored at Carlisle Pier, Kingstown.

MR. RUNCIMAN

I am informed that the port dues now charged in Dublin on the steamers of the London and North-Western Railway Company are at the rate of 5½d. per ton on one-half the gross tonnage. This charge amounts to about £21. 6s. 8d. per trip for each of the Company's four passenger steamers. The Company, however, contend, I understand, that they have power to compound annually for these charges by the payment in respect of each ship of a lump sum equivalent to the dues chargeable upon six trips. The dues charged for the mail steamers which are the only steamers now using Carlisle Pier, Kingstown, are at the rate of 5s. per trip, but these are payable throughout the year.

MR. CLANCY

Am I right in assuming that the charges in Dublin for some years of the London and North Western Railway will amount to about £5,000 a year and that by going to Kingstown does the Government propose to permit them to do it on 5s. each trip?

MR. RUNCIMAN

I have no means of ascertaining the first figure quoted, and I shall not be able to give specific information until the case shortly to be tried has been decided.

MR. CLANCY

Is not the case which is sub judice a totally different matter and dealing with the question whether the company of steamers have a right to go at all to the Carlisle Pier? This being the case, is not the Government actually paying the London and North Western Railway Company some £5,000 a year for the benefit of the English and Scottish services at the expense of the Port of Dublin.

MR. RUNCIMAN

I think the hon. Member refers to an entirely different case. I referred to a case likely to come on shortly between the London and North Western Railway Company and the Dublin Port and Harbour Board.