§ Mr. FIELDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the combine known as the Imperial Tobacco Company of Great Britain and Ireland has not a branch in Ireland; that, owing to the manipulations of this trust, an Irish tobacco manufacturer may be compelled to close his factory, which will cause the dis-employment of many hands in Dublin; that several British manufacturers have also complained regarding the operations of this monopolistic trading company; and whether he will inquire into the fact, with a view to provide a remedy by legislation or otherwise for this state of affairs?
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Mr. BUXTONI have no information as to whether the Imperial Tobacco Company of Great Britain and Ireland has a branch in Ireland or not. I know, however, that it has been stated that the competition of this company is being felt by some of the Dublin factories, but I am not aware that up to the present there has been any actual stoppage of work, nor am I able to say to what extent, if any, the competition referred to is likely to cause unemployment. As at present advised, I do not see what steps I could properly take to interfere in the matter.