§ Mr. THOMAS O'DONNELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of gallons of spirits manufactured in Ireland in the year ended March, 1908, the number of gallons of spirit exported from Ireland and the duty paid on it, and the number of gallons of spirit consumed in Ireland and the duty paid; and what would be the extra duty paid by Ireland during the coming year on the assumption that the same quantity of spirits was consumed.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAssuming that the word "spirit" as used in this Question is intended by the hon. Member to mean spirit manufactured in Ireland, the number of proof gallons of spirit distilled in Ireland in the year ended 31st March, 1908, was 11,653,513, but as Irish-made spirit is not separately distinguished in the official accounts I regret that I am unable to give the remainder of the information asked for by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. O'DONNELLIf the figures are not separated in the Return how can they be worked out by the officials?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI do not know, but if the hon. Member will put a question down I will try and find out.