HC Deb 16 March 1972 vol 833 cc173-4W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loans have been made by the Government to the Government of the Republic of Eire since 1946; at what rate of interest; what is the date of redemption of each loan; and what amounts remain outstanding.

Mr. Higgins

No such loans have been made.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total indebtedness of the Government of the Republic of Eire to the United Kingdom; and how much of the debt has been deemed to be irrecoverable.

Mr. Higgins

Land bonds to the value of £17,118,141 were outstanding on 1st January, 1972. The Government of the Republic of Ireland has also made issues on the London Market of which £32 million is outstanding at the present time. It is not known what proportion of these stocks are held by United Kingdom residents. Details of any liabilities of the Government of the Republic to United Kingdom banks are not available. None of this debt has been deemed irrecoverable.

All financial claims between the two Governments arising out of the setting up of the Free State were covered by settlements made in 1938 and 1969.—[The Eire (Confirmation of Agreements) Act, 1938, and HANSARD, Vol. 781, c. 238.]