Reserved Services, Northern Ireland (Cost)

HC Deb 23 March 1948 vol 448 cc2766-7

49. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost per head of population in Northern Ireland of the Reserved Services under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920; and how does this compare with the corresponding cost in the remainder of the United Kingdom.

Sir S. Cripps

The cost is £2 12s. 2d. Direct comparison with the cost in Great Britain is impossible, because the Reserved Services in Northern Ireland have no exact counterpart in the remainder of the United Kingdom.

Professor Savory

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the annual contribution of Northern Ireland to Imperial funds is £32 million, an immense sum for so small a country?

Mr. Speaker

That does not arise out of this Question.