HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc85-6W
Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now arrange to transfer to the Northern Ireland Government the management of Irish land purchase services.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

No. The services include management of the outstanding securities issued in connection with Irish land purchase. These are liabilities of the British Government and a change in this arrangement would not be justified.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many land purchase annuities made after the passing of the Government of Ireland Act, 1921 are still outstanding; and how long the longest annuity has still to run before being fully completed.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

About 37,000. The longest annuity has 31½ years to run before being terminated.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he anticipates that the Irish land purchase services will be wound up.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Not later than the year 2,002 following final repayment of all outstanding annuities.