§ 55. Mr. McKEAGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contributions have been made during the last financial year to the Government of Northern Ireland, specifying the amounts so contributed under each heading of expenditure?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINDuring the last financial year (1932–33) the sum of £109,250 was paid to the Government of Northern Ireland in respect of the provision of accommodation for public departments under Section 34 (1) of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920; and £73,698 was spent on the Belfast Supreme Court building under Section 24 (1). Also, under Section 26 of the same Act, the Government of Northern Ireland collected and retained the sum of £658,600 in respect of land purchase annuities in respect of agreements entered into before the passing of the Act, and an equivalent sum was paid as a non-recoverable charge out of the Imperial Exchequer to the National Debt Commissioners.
§ Mr. McKEAGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these payments, however they may have been allocated, have been of material assistance to the Government of Northern Ireland in giving guarantees to the extent of £12,000,000 to shipowners placing orders in Belfast shipyards to the detriment of the shipyards in this country?