HC Deb 14 February 1933 vol 274 c781
3. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what further measures are contemplated to secure for the Exchequer sums equivalent to the balance due from the Irish Free State and not covered by the receipts from the import duties at present being levied?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The hon. Member may rest assured that the whole matter is under my constant consideration.

Mr. LEWIS

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman proposes to increase some of the existing duties, or place duties on additional articles, or what does it mean?

Mr. THOMAS

It means that I shall be guided by circumstances as they arise.

Mr. THORNE

Is this not another case of using a steam-hammer to crack a nut?

Mr. COCKS

How much has been lost to British trade by the right hon. Gentleman's tariff war?

Mr. THOMAS

If the hon. Gentleman means that the debt owing to this country should be repudiated and no steps taken to maintain British rights, then all I say is that I never understood that to be the policy of the British people.