HC Deb 03 March 1910 vol 14 cc991-2
Mr. GILHOOLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any representations had been made to the Government of the United States since His Majesty's present advisers took office as to the incidence of the import duty on mackerel, an Irish industry, as compared with the import duty on herring, which were principally exported from Scotland; if the Government could ascertain what reason was assigned for the difference in the duty on mackerel and herring; whether mackerel was a fish caught in any greater quantity than herring by United States fishermen; whether the Government were in possession of any statistics of the catch in America; what was the respective import duty per ton on herring and mackerel; and would the Government request His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to make representations on the subject of the effect of the mackerel duty on Irish trade?

Mr. BUXTON

The answer to the first question is in the negative. I am not aware of the reason for the difference between the duties imposed in the United States on mackerel and herring respectively. The latest statistics I have seen of the United States catch relate to 1906, in which year the total catch of mackerel was approximately 10,448 barrels, salted, and 35,240 barrels, fresh, or a total of 45,688 barrels; whilst the total catch of herring, frozen and salted, was 72,309 barrels. The figures of a single year do not, however, afford a sufficient basis for a proper comparison, as the catch varies from year to year. The duty leviable in the United States on herrings, pickled, salted, smoked, or kippered, is half a cent per pound, and on fresh herrings a quarter of a cent per pound. On mackerel the duty leviable is one cent per pound.

Mr. GILHOOLY

The right hon. Gentleman has given no answer to the latter part of my question, as to whether the Government will request their Ambassador at Washington to make representations on the subject of the effect of the mackerel duty on Irish trade.

Mr. BUXTON

I do not know whether representations were made, and I do not quite see on what ground we can make representations. If the hon. Member will give me any information upon which I can base representations, I shall be glad to consider them.