Before we leave the subject of finance we should like
as Free Traders to point out that there is nothing to prevent, but a good deal to encourage, the Irish Parliament giving bounties which will have the same effect as protective tariffs. Say that the Dublin Parliament wishes to encourage the establish- ment of bicycle or motor-car factories in Ireland. Under the Bill what is to prevent her giving a bounty of £1 on every bicycle made in Ireland, or a bounty of £2 per h.p. in the case of every motor-car P Further, we can see nothing to prevent the Irish Parliament charging a special motor licence for any motor-ear or bicycle of non-Irish manufacture running upon Irish roads. This is a crude example of a bounty, but we have no doubt that the ingenuity of the Irish Legislature will be able to provide plenty of better example* which will be perfectly legal.
Previous page
