79. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give particulars of any assistance which has been given or offered by British Colonies in respect of the maintenance of the Navy; whether such assistance is intended to be as far as possible proportionate to the naval expenditure necessary for the security of the Colonies affected; what portion of naval expenditure can be attributed to the position and needs of Ireland; and if, to avoid discouraging the co-operation of Colonies with similar powers of self-government to those proposed to be conferred upon Ireland under the Government of Ireland Bill, the Government will make provision for Ireland to contribute as its quota to the cost of Imperial defence the proceeds of any Import Duties which may be imposed on English goods, or some definite amount, from the beginning of the operation of Home Rule?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The information about the contributions of the Dominions may be found in the various official publications, and will at a later date be brought together into a single Parliamentary Paper. The latter part of the question appears to be appropriate to the Debate on the Government of Ireland Bill rather than to a question and answer on Admiralty business.
§ Earl WINTERTONHow soon will that Paper be published? Will it be published immediately after the announcement is made in the Dominion House of Commons?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not quite sure. I am looking for an appropriate opportunity of bringing the whole thing together.
Mr. FRED HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question with regard to Ireland, or ought I to direct it to the Chief Secretary?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe question appears to be an argumentative one. It deals with certain aspects of matters which will follow on the passage of the Government of Ireland Bill. I should have thought that the occasion of the Debate of that measure would have furnished the hon. Gentleman with the opportunity he speaks of.