To ask the Minister for Finance whether, with reference to his statement in the Dáil on 2nd March, relating to income tax assessed prior to December, 1921, it has been definitely agreed that all arrears belong absolutely to the Free State Government.

It has been agreed that all such arrears are the absolute property of the Free State Government, and that no claim will be made by the British Government in respect of these arrears. It follows that any loss due to non-collection of arrears would fall wholly on the Free State Exchequer. I presume I may take it that the Deputy will persuade his friends to immediately comply.