§ 32. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the arrears in the contributions to the British Exchequer due from the Irish Free State under Article V of the Treaty; and what steps are being taken to obtain the payments due?
§ Mr. AMERYI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for North Lanark (Sir A. Sprot) on 5th May last. No determination has yet been made under Article V of the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty, and no question of arrears has therefore as yet arisen.
§ Colonel GRETTONAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman means to tell the House that no assessment has been made and no payments have been made in accordance with Article V?
§ Mr. AMERYI think I have made it clear before that the British statement of claim has been put forward. Naturally there may be counter-claims and other points to be settled before a definite assessment can be arrived at.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCannot we be informed of the reason for the terrible delay which has occurred in getting some of the many millions due to this country—of which we are very much in need?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas not the delay in connection with the findings of the Boundary Commission something to do with it?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs not Ulster being made to pay, although the boundary applies to Ulster as well as to the Free State?