Oral Answers to Questions — Ireland. – in the House of Commons at on 19 July 1922.
Sir F. HALL:
74.asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total debt to the Imperial Exchequer which has been incurred by the Irish Free State since its establishment; whether any security has been given therefor in the shape of control over Customs, dues, or otherwise; and will he state what rate of interest is being paid on any sums that have been advanced and what arrangement is proposed for their repayment?
No sums have been advanced from the Imperial Exchequer to the Irish Free State by way of loan or interest. Certain sums are payable by the Irish Free State to the Imperial Exchequer in respect of debts collected by the Free State, of the cost of services not yet transferred, and of equipment supplied; and periodical claims for repayment are being rendered. No security has been asked for these sums, nor is interest being charged. There are also certain charges which are incurred in the first instance by the Irish Free State, and are recoverable from the Imperial Exchequer.
It is only a temporary arrangement during the transitional period. These sums are being collected purely temporarily, subject to a permanent arrangement being made.
Obviously, a permanent arrangement will have to be made when the transitional period has passed.
Are not the unfortunate Irish who have anything to lose the ultimate security?