§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, according to the latest available figures, about 320 Irish firms are now using the Irish trade mark; and whether, in view of the fact that the trade mark is being used by linen and other manufacturers in Belfast and other districts who have direct trade relations with Canada, he will represent to the Canadian authorities that the extra facilities thereby given will render the collection of Irish trade statistics a comparatively simple process.
I beg also to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the United States Government 922 has now agreed to keep a separate record of the statistics of Irish trade on and after 1st July, 1908; and whether, seeing that twenty-one foreign Powers have now expressed their willingness to co-operate with Ireland in obtaining an accurate record of her foreign trade, he will make further representations to the Canadian authorities with a view to securing similar co-operation on their part.
§ COLONEL SEELYI understand that the Board of Trade have no exact figures in this matter, but they have no reason to doubt the substantial accuracy of the hon. Member's figures; and, indeed, in the case of the number of foreign. Powers who have expressed their readiness to co-operate with Ireland, they believe it to be an understatement of the facts. The Secretary of State will be glad to bring the facts referred to to the notice of the Canadian Government.