London, Mar. 8.
Mr, J. H. Thomas, the Dontinions Secretary, announced in the House jof Commons to-day that the Irish Free State Government had formed him that the Land Annuity moneys, hitherto retained in. Separate suspense account, would now be used to. finance' normal exchequer requirements.
'Mr. 'Thomas said he had to-d expressing regret at this' intimate tion and stating: "The offer lof the United Kingdom of atbitration or negotiation still remains open and they catinot be under stood to act in. the action now announced.'
A keen duel then ensued between, Mr. George Lansbury, leader of the Opposition, and "Inv, Thoma: The former appealed to the Govern. ment to show a graceful spirit and reconsider. the terms of arbitration meet the narrow issue involved and to prevent further embitter ment, 'The Dominions Secretary assort-led that the issue was not narrow, It involved the violation of a treaty, There are times, and circumstances," he added, "when we must simply' humiliate' ourselves, and there are such things as honour Jand justice."
Answering a question, Mr, 'Thomas said that the sums withheld by the Irish Free State amounted to £1,750,000 up to July 15, 1932, when' the special duties came into force. The sums withheld between that date and February 28, 1933, amounted to £2,010,000. The ap-Hproximate amount collected up to Ferbuary 28 in special duties and Jduties under the Import Duties Act of 1982 on goods imported from the Irish Free State was £218,000,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.