asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of proposing to the Irish Free State the submission of the question in dispute about the payment of the land annuities to a tribunal of five members, consisting of two members chosen by each country from within the British Empire, and a chairman from outside the British Empire nominated by the four members already selected?

The position of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom regarding the constitution of a tribunal to settle disputes between two members of the British Commonwealth of Nations has been explained on many occasions by my right hon. Friend, more especially in the Debate in the House on 4th July last, and I cannot add anything to what he has said on the subject.

Is the Dominions Office aware of the great injury that is being done to the British Empire by the prolongation of this dispute and the embitterment caused by it, and has the Dominions Office no suggestion to make to bring it to an end?

We have made various suggestions for bringing it to an end, and we shall always be ready to reach a reasonable settlement.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think the National Government are strong enough to make a concession in a matter of this kind, which, after all, is largely one of punctilio?

What are the various suggestions that have been made for a settlement? Is it not a fact that there has only been one suggestion, and that this is the only alternative that is likely to bring about a settlement?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Debates which I have mentioned.

Is there not a very great matter of principle involved in this dispute? I hope the Government will take very great care—

HON. MEMBERS:

Order!