§ 53. Colonel GRETTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount paid to the Treasury by the Government of the Irish Free State on account of the Irish Land Purchase Acts during the financial year ending the 31st March, 1926, and what was the total payment due; whether there are any arreas of payment accruing during past years; and, if so, what is the total amount of such arrears?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe amount paid to the British Government by the Government of the Irish Free State on Recount of the Irish Land Purchase Acts, 1891 to 1909, during the year ended the 31st March, 1926, was £4,179,380. This sum represents the total amount due in respect of land purchase annuities for the year, together with a contribution of £183,500 towards Bonus and Excess Stock charges and the arrears of the annuities which were outstanding on the 1st April, 1925, pending discussion of certain questions regarding the incidence of Income Tax which have now been settled. No arrears are now outstanding.