HC Deb 04 May 1925 vol 183 cc566-7
27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total amount of the British claim preferred under Article 5 of the Irish Treaty?

Mr. AMERY

As stated in the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Reading on 30th April last, a memorandum on the subject of Article 5 has been forwarded to the Government of the Irish Free State; but I do not think it would be in the public interest at the present stage to publish the particulars of the proposals contained therein.

Mr. THOMAS

Is it possible to establish a claim under Article 5 until Article 12 has been settled?

Mr. AMERY

I am not quite certain on that point.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

What is the objection to stating the amount? Surely that is of public interest to both countries.

Mr. AMERY

I should doubt whether it is in the public interest to conduct negotiations on a matter like this in public.

Sir W. DAVISON

How can there be any difficulty in regard to Article 12, under which Ulster—which is equally subject to Article 12 according to the contention of the Government—is already paying £6,000,000 a year? Why should not the same apply to the Free State.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does not Ulster get it all back from us in grants for special constabularly and other things?

Mr. AMERY

That raises a question of considerable detail.