asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that over 20 years ago, on the proposal of the Right Hon. G.H. Goschen (afterwards Lord Goschen), legislation was passed by the British Parliament by which a tax of 1/- per barrel on stout and beer, and 1/- per gallon on spirits was imposed for the purpose of creating a sinking fund to buy out small valued Irish publichouse licences, and to reduce the number of such licences with adequate compensation from the fund; if he can give any information as to the total amount of money raised by the "Goschen Act," which imposed the extra tax as stated, and which is paid up to the present, and, further, if he will request the present English Chancellor of the Exchequer to have this money so collected applied for the purpose for which it was intended.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - “GOSCHEN ACT” SINKING FUND.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
I have no knowledge of the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy, but if he will refer me to the particular Act which he has in mind I will look further into the matter.