§ Mr. STEWARTasked whether, since the union of the British and Irish Exchequers in 1817, any taxation has been levied upon an inhabitant of Ireland at a higher rate than upon inhabitants of similar means in Great Britain?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI fear I cannot add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 13th instant. The Return I mentioned will give the hon. Member such information as is available.
§ Mr. STEWARTCannot the hon. Gentleman give an answer, yes or no, to a simple question like this?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIt is quite impossible.
§ Mr. STEWARTasked the amount of the Irish debt absorbed into the Imperial Exchequer when the two Exchequers were united in 1817?
§ Mr. MASTERMANStated in "British Currency" the amount of the Irish Debt at 1st February, 1817, was:—
1894 In addition there were:—Long annuities, expiring in 1860, £129,583.
Funded in Great Britain £83,944,904 Funded in Ireland £23,435,254 £107,380,158
§ Mr. STEWARTWill the hon. Gentleman say who will bear the outstanding balance of this debt if the Exchequers are again divided?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot say without notice.