Mr. NUGENTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, under the regulations made by the Customs and Excise, licensed traders are entitled to release from bond for the year ending 31st March, 1918, on paying the duty assessable, 50 per cent, of the quantity of wines and spirits cleared by them during the year 1916, and if it is understood that this amount is to be spread over quarterly periods ending 964W 30th June, 1917, 30th September, 1917, 31st December, 1917, and 31st March, 1918, during each of which periods the quantity allowable would be 12½ per cent. of 1916 clearances; why it is that Dublin traders who made returns in March last have not yet been furnished with authority to clear what they are entitled to for even the first quarter ending 30th June, 1917; whether instalment authorities have been issued for the half-year to the 30th September, 1917, and when traders have applied to be furnished with authority for the balance to which they are entitled they have been informed that when the accuracy of the returns made has been established the advisory committee will authorise the clearance of whatever amount appears to be due; why after the lapse of nearly three months it has not been possible to check the returns; if it is intended to give any fair play at all to a trade which has provided so much revenue for the Government; if certain regulations in restriction of trade have been made; and why officials can make the case still harder by not allowing traders to clear what they are obviously entitled to under the Regulations made by or under the authority of the Imperial Government?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Regulations-under the Intoxicating Liquor (Output and Delivery) Order, 1917, dated 29th March, 1917, provide for the issue of authorities to clear from ship's side or bonded warehouses during each of the two periods of six months ending 30th September, 1917, and 31st March, 1918, quantities of spirits not exceeding 25 per cent, of the total quantities delivered during the year 1916, and the quantities that may be delivered in each period can be cleared at any time in the period. The Board of Customs and Excise are not aware of any case in which a Dublin trader who has made application for an authority and whose application appeared to furnish correct particulars has not yet been furnished with an instalment authority to clear, but if the hon. Member will furnish them with particulars, inquiry will be made into the matter. It is a fact that traders have been informed that authorities for the balances to which they are entitled will be issued when the accuracy of the returns made in connection with the applications for authorities has been established and the delay in the issue of such authorities has been due partly to pressure of work and in some cases to the failure of traders to give cor- 965W rect particulars in their returns. Every effort is, however, being made to issue as rapidly as possible authorities to applicants to clear the full quantities to which they may be entitled.