HC Deb 19 July 1934 vol 292 cc1269-70
48. Mr. HEALY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total loss to the industries of this country since December, 1931, occasioned by the dispute with the Irish Free State; and if he can give the figures of exports to the Irish Free State for the years 1922 and 1923 as compared with 1932 and 1933?

Dr. BURGIN

I regret that the desired information is not available. Particulars of the trade of the United Kingdom with the Irish Free State have only been recorded as from the 1st April, 1923. The aggregate value of merchandise consigned from this country to the Irish Free State during 1932 and 1933 is given in tables XI and XII of the issue for January last of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."

Mr. HEALY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the working people of this country should be made to suffer loss of wages from a dispute with which the majority have no concern?

54. Mr. HEALY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the importance of an Irish settlement to this country, he will consider the advisability of entering into fresh negotiations with the Government of the Irish Free State on the basis of the article for an agreement of 1921, and of ascertaining the views of the people concerned, as provided for in Clause 12?

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

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I have given to previous questions on this subject, and in particular to the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) on the 5th July last. I have nothing to add to those replies, except to point out that the latter part of Clause 12 of the Articles of Agreement of 1921 was revoked by a subsequent agreement entered into in 1925. Effect was given to the latter agreement by simultaneous legislation in Parliament here and in the Irish Free State Parliament.

Mr. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the cause of the present dispute with the Irish Free State is the British Government's failure to carry out its own part of the Treaty?

HON. MEMBERS

No!

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the President of the Irish Free State has given any indication, by word or act, as to whether he desires these negotiations?

Mr. SPEAKER

This was all answered on the 5th July.