HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc534-5
79. Dr. Little

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the sums paid from the money raised in Northern Ireland by the Imperial Government during the past year towards health, housing and education, respectively, in that State, which are much below the standard of the same services in Great Britain.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)

No, Sir. The hon. Member should ask the Government of Northern Ireland, who are responsible for expenditure on these services.

Dr. Little

Does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider it would be an act of fair justice that, out of the balance of£34,500,000 paid last year to the Treasury, Northern Ireland should get a substantial amount to meet this charge?

Mr. Stokes

Might not all this difficulty be swept aside if a separate and independent election were held in Northern Ireland?