§ 38. Major NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the amount of the Customs Duty that can be credited to Ireland for the past financial year; can he give Ireland's share of the National Debt on the supposition that her share stands at one-twenty-fifth of the total debt of the United Kingdom; and what would be the annual debt charge in respect of such share at 5½ per cent. interest and sinking fund?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe amount contributed by Ireland to the Customs revenue in 1917–18 is provisionally estimated at £6,680,000. The National Debt was on 31st March last £5,850,000,000 approximately. One twenty-fifth of this would be £234,000,000, 5½ per cent. on which is £12,870,000.