HC Deb 25 February 1937 vol 320 c2210W
Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the trade arrangements with the Irish Free State?

Mr. M. MacDonald

In reply to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. 0. Lewis) on 19th January, I stated that it had been agreed to continue, for a further period of one year, the trade arrangement with the Irish Free State concluded at the beginning of 1936, subject to possible modifications of detail. As a result of subsequent discussions it has now been agreed to make minor adjustments in the arrangements for the regulation of United Kingdom imports of cattle and bacon from the Irish Free State during 1937. Further, the United Kingdom Government have agreed to remove the present special duty of 20 per cent. ad valorem on live horses imported from the Irish Free State. The Irish Free State Government, for their part, have agreed to remove the existing emergency duties on sugar and subsidiary products imported from the United Kingdom. Treasury Order removing the United Kingdom special duty on horses will be made at once and come into force on Monday. I understand that the Irish Free State Order removing the emergency duties on sugar will also take effect on Monday.