HC Deb 09 November 1916 vol 87 cc381-2
51. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition, signed by many inhabitants of the Isle of Man, asking for redress of grievances of which they complain; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to allay the discontent in the island?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have received the petition referred to. It relates in part to certain judicial proceedings for the recovery of rates and other matters in regard to which I have no authority to interfere, and in part to questions of legislation which, in the first instance, are matters for the consideration of the local legislature. No representations have reached me from the local legislature. I have not, therefore, seen my way to take any action in the matter. As my hon. Friend may be aware, the subject of constitutional reform in the island was thoroughly investigated some years ago by a Committee, and measures were in progress at the time of the outbreak of war for giving effect to a number of important recommendations made by the Committee. Further pro- gress with these measures was by common consent suspended during the War, but they will be resumed in due course. The Insular Government has, in consultation with my Department and the Treasury, made provision to meet the distress which the War has brought upon one section of the community, the persons dependent on the boarding-house industries, and apart from this the island has not been adversely affected by the War.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is there any reason why the steps which were being taken to reform the Government of the Isle of Man should not be continued in the course of the War?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir; it is very difficult for either the Isle of Man or the Home Office officials to give attention.

Commander WEDGWOOD

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if there is any question of union of the Isle of Man with this country, he will take care that the Isle of Man bears its fair share of the Public Debt?

Mr. SAMUEL

I do not think that arises out of the question.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this petition has notoriously been organised by an agitator in the Isle of Man, and that copies of it have been sent to all the old women in the Midlands at somebody's expense?