HC Deb 22 November 1927 vol 210 cc1573-4
49. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give particulars of the duties levied by the Irish Free State on articles manufactured in Great Britain and Northern Ireland which are imported into the Irish Free State; whether similar articles manufactured in the Irish Free State are imported into Great Britain free of duty; and whether the Government are taking any action in this matter?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Customs Tariff of the Irish Free State, together with a list of the articles referred to which are not dutiable on importation into Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These differences between the Customs Tariffs of the Free State and the United Kingdom, respectively, do not appear to call for any action on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does my right hon. Friend realise that goods are so heavily taxed on going into the Irish Free State, thereby causing unemployment in this country, whereas the Irish Free State have a free market for their goods in this country?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is there not also the case of Canada and Australia?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot pursue this, as it is an argumentative question.

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