HC Deb 11 March 1912 vol 35 c793
Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can particularise the difficulties which stand in the way of an estimate being made of the contribution of the province of Ulster to the true revenue of Ireland in respect of every single item of Irish finance; whether these difficulties are insuperable; and, if so, why?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot provide any estimate which would not be untrustworthy. The Revenue Boards are not in a position to state the essential particulars, namely, as concerns Inland Revenue duties what amounts are derived from particular provinces, and as concerns Customs and Excise duties what is the consumption in a particular province.

Mr. G. FABER

What difficulty can there be in distinguishing for purposes of Income Tax between Ulster on the one hand and the rest of Ireland on the other for the last financial year?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am told it is impossible for the Inland Revenue to provide the information at present. A good deal of Income Tax is assessed and paid in Dublin which may probably belong to Ulster.

Mr. G. FABER

Will the hon. Gentleman give me such Return as he can in view of its immense importance to the Home Rule discussion?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I will consider if I can.

Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether the Government are in possession of any information, which has not yet been given to the public, concerning the contribution of the province of Ulster towards the true revenue of Ireland in respect of any item of Irish finance?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I fear I can add nothing to the answer given to the hon. Member by the Prime Minister on the 4th instant.