§ 55. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to state whether the proper duty has been collected on the horse Royal Ransom; and whether he is satisfied that no attempt was made to induce Customs officials to accept a fictitious valuation for this animal?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)Yes, Sir. The full duty on this animal has been secured. I have made very full inquiry but I can find no foundation for any suggestion that any corrupt offer was made to any Customs official in connection with this affair.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDWill the Financial Secretary state whether this duty was paid in one sum or in two sums, and how much time elapsed between the first payment and the second payment of the complementary part of the duty?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI do not know whether I heard my hon. Friend rightly. Did he ask me whether there was a delay in the payment?
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDI asked whether there was a first payment made when the horse was brought into this country and a second payment made some time afterwards, when the Treasury discovered that an inadequate payment had been made the first time?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDDoes not that show that there was some collusion between the sender in Ireland and the recipient in this country, and will the Treasury snake further inquiries into the matter?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI do not know whether it necessarily proves that, but I can assure my hon. Friend that not only have I made full inquiries, but that inquiries are still proceeding.