HC Deb 29 January 1934 vol 285 cc19-20
27. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any statement to make on the subject of our relations with the Irish Free State?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I have nothing to add to the statements which I made to the House on the 14th November and the 5th December last.

Mr. LUNN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will have something to say to the House which will show that he is going to bring about a settlement of this unfortunate dispute?

Mr. THOMAS

Immediately the Irish Free State gives an indication that it desires to meet its just obligations.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman have any regard at all to the profound dissatisfaction with his policy which exists in South Wales?

Mr. THOMAS

I have been in South Wales recently, and I found profound satisfaction with my desire to secure justice for this country.

Mr. GRENFELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman dispute the fact that correspondence has been received by Members of Parliament from all parties concerned in the coal industry complaining of this matter?

Mr. THOMAS

Certainly; and I also know that Members of Parliament in South Wales are receiving correspondence saying that it would be a good thing for South Wales if they could be given their just rights.

28. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

asked 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 state to what extent the United Kingdom taxpayer has been called upon to make good the losses caused by the Irish Free State default up to 17th January, 1934?

Mr. THOMAS

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. As regards the second part, it is estimated that the cost to the Exchequer up to the end of the current financial year will be £7,063,000, towards which there has been collected from the special duties £6,243,000 (up to 13th January, 1934). It will be remembered (1) that the special duties were not imposed until a later date than the beginning of the default, and (2) that certain items in default are not at present being made good by the United Kingdom Exchequer.

Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that only 10 per cent. duty is charged upon salmon, whereas other fish are liable to a duty of 40 per cent.?

Mr. THOMAS

My hon. Friend may take it that I intend, and these figures demonstrate that I am going, to succeed in getting what is due to us.