§ 75. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any further statement to make on the dispute with the Irish Free State, and will he give an assurance that the Irish Free State will no longer receive any financial benefit at the expense of the British taxpayer?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part, as I have repeatedly made clear, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have throughout taken the view that the United Kingdom taxpayer should not be called upon to bear the burden caused by the Irish Free State default, and have acted accordingly.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCan my right hon. Friend say whether the duties which have been imposed on products coming from the Irish Free State are sufficient to meet the losses which we have incurred by reason of the disclaimer of the annuities?