HC Deb 15 April 1969 vol 781 c238W
Mr. David Watkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further payments are to be made by the Irish Government under the financial provisions of the 1925 Agreement between Great Britain and Ireland.

Mr. Harold Lever

Under the 1925 Agrement, the Irish Government undertook to pay an initial sum of £150,000 and sixty annual payments of £250,000 to recompense the British Government for the cost of compensation for damage to property in Ireland. So far £10.9 million has been paid; outstanding payments total £4.25 million, the final payment being due in 1985. In the light of the origin and purpose of these arrangements and the development of relations between the two countries, in recent discussions between United Kingdom and Irish Ministers the Government have told the Irish Government that they are prepared to waive the remaining payments due under the Agreement.