41. Colonel NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in addition to the sum of £1,821,516 which is borne on the Estimates for the next financial year in respect of the Irish Land Commission, he will say what is the total liability of the British Exchequer in respect of the Irish Land Commission, and by what date will this liability be finally liquidated?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am not sure that I understand the hon. and gallant. Member's question. Land purchase in Northern Ireland remains under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, a reserved service for which the Imperial Exchequer is primarily liable. Moreover, the British Government remains liable for the completion of pending cases under the existing Land Purchase Acts both in the North and in the Free State. It is impossible to say how many years it will be before these liabilities are finally liquidated or to make any accurate estimate of their cost.
Colonel NEWMANHow much of that one million applies to the Northern State and how much to the Free State?
§ Mr. BALDWINI should like notice of that question.