§ 62. Captain FOXCROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether munitions, arms, or stores are still being handed over by the British to the Free State Government; and, if not, whether he could state approximately when such transactions ceased?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe arrangement whereby munitions, arms and stores were handed over by the British Government to the Free State Government, subject to subsequent valuation which is now taking plac, came to an end on 12th February last, and, in fact, only a very small amount of stores was handed over to the Free State Government for some time previous to that date. A few stores have been sold by the British Government to the Free State Government for cash since the date referred to, and the sums received in respect of such stores are included in the total sum of £285,000 mentioned in the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 26th June.
§ Captain FOXCROFTConsidering the very large amount of money owing by the Irish Free State to the British taxpayer, and considering the very small amount of money which has been paid on that account, will the hon. Gentleman expedite the making out of the account if he possibly can, so that the British taxpayer can realise how he stands?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI cannot accept the hypotheses with which the hon. Gentleman began his supplementary, but I understand the Treasury are producing an account for publication.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas a careful inventory been kept of all stores taken over?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI believe so.