§ Mr. DEVLINasked the President of the Board of Trade how many firms were included in the formation of the Imperial Tobacco Trust; how many firms are included in it at present; what is the age limit for employés; and how many tobacco factories have been closed down in Ireland since the formation of the Trust?
Mr. BUXTONI understand that the number of firms originally included in the Imperial Tobacco Company was thirteen. I have no information as to the present number, or as to the ages of the company's employés. Since the formation of the company in December, 1901, four manufacturers, then carrying on business in Ireland, have allowed their licences to lapse, as have also two small cigarette manufacturers who commenced business after that time; but I am not aware of their reasons for so doing.