§ 14. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any further statement to make as to the subjects in dispute between this country and the Irish Free State?
§ 15. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state the present financial position between this country and the Irish Free State as a result of the imposition of duties on imports from that country?
Mr. THOMASThe sums withheld by the Irish Free State from May, 1932, up to date amount to £4,864,000. The approximate total amount collected from 15th July last up to the 22nd April in respect of the special duties and the duties under the Import Duties Act, 1932, on goods imported from the Irish Free State is £2,727,000.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESDoes the figure of £4,000,000 represent the total amount which the Irish Free State Government is withholding in respect of all services?
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs the £4,000,000 now taken up for ordinary use by the Irish Free State Government or is it still set aside?
Mr. THOMASIt is difficult to say, but from Press reports—I have no official information—I assume that they are using some of that money.
§ Mr. GEOFFREY PETOWill the Government revise the tariff so that the duties on raw materials are not higher than the duties on manufactured goods?
Mr. THOMASThe object of the tariff is merely to obtain for this country money that we believe is due to us.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill not the Government consider reopening negotiations in order to clear up this vexed matter altogether?
Mr. THOMASNo one would welcome a settlement more than the British Government. The door has never been closed by us. The facts are very well known, and it is a short simple issue. Moneys are being withheld from us which, by agreement, are due to us.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the money that we are receiving from import duties has to be paid by the consumer and not by the Irish Free State?