§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Plunkett and Company, of Dublin, applied about 1st 990W February by wire and letter to the Customs authorities, London, for a licence, to be forwarded to the Customs, Glasgow, to enable a consignment of roasted crystal malt to be shipped to Gothenberg by the "Zena"; whether he is aware that up to 10th February no licence had been forwarded to Glasgow and no acknowledgment had been received by the applicants from the Customs, London, and that as a consequence the "Zena" sailed, leaving the malt to deteriorate in a shed in Glasgow; whether he will state the reason of the delay on the part of the London Customs to forward the licence; and whether he will make arrangements whereby all forms, declarations and licences necessary for foreign shipment can be made and issued in Dublin if Irish trade and enterprise are not to be unfairly handicapped?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am making inquiries into this case and will communicate, the result to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Customs at Liverpool prohibited the shipment of roasted malt consigned by Messrs. Plunkett and Company, of Dublin, on 8th February, per Messrs. Marwood and Robertson, Liverpool, to Freemantle, Australia, notwithstanding that a Royal Proclamation was published in the "Dublin Gazette" of 3rd February, stating that the export of malt was allowed to British Possessions and Protectorates; whether he will state why Irish export trade is thus treated by Government officers; and what improved regulations he proposes to facilitate Irish exporters, who will be forced to decline foreign orders owing to the action of Government officials?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe hon. Member has been misinformed. No prohibition of shipment was made by the Customs officials at Liverpool in the case referred to.