§ EARL FITZWILLIAMmoved the printing of certain returns from Liverpool, relating to the number of Irish paupers arriving in that port. It appeared, that on the 7th of February, no less than 2,585 individuals of that class were landed; and the total number poured in between the 13th of January and the 11th of February, was 27,012. On the 25th of January, 25,529 had been relieved by the parochial authorities; on the 26th, 25,525; on the 27th, 23,313; on the 28th, 24,000; and on the 29th, 24,100. He was bound to state, that during the last twelve days the number elieved, had considerably diminished.
The MARQUESS of WESTMEATHthought that it would be desirable to ascertain what proportion of the individuals in question had arrived in Liverpool for the purpose of emigration; and what proportion with a view to the reception of parochial relief there.
§ EARL FITZWILLIAMargued, that it was advisable to act upon the suggestion of his noble Friend. During the last week there had been a very considerable diminution in the number of paupers relieved; but whether this circumstance was attributable to emigration, or to the paupers having spread themselves over portions of this country, he was unable to say; and it might be difficult to gain accurate information 1324 on the subject even in Liverpool. He had no doubt, however, that they would be able to ascertain the number of emigrants; and he thought it very desirable that their Lordships should have this information before them.
LORD STANLEYwas afraid it would be found that the number of emigrants was extremely small; for very few persons came to Liverpool from Ireland with a view to emigration before the end of March, or beginning of April. He feared it would be found that a very small number of those persons had come to Liverpool with any other object than that of obtaining relief.
§ The DUKE of WELLINGTONobserved, that there was a great deal of information in the body of the papers referred to by the noble Earl (Earl Fitzwilliam) which it would be well to have laid upon their Lordships' Table, before any discussion took place on this subject.
§ EARL GREYsaid, he was informed, a few days ago, that emigration from this country to America, did not appear to have ceased at all during the last twelve months; and he understood that, since the commencement of the present year, between 6,000 and 7,000 emigrants had left Liverpool for the United States. But the information he had received was to the effect, that, by far the majority of those persons who had landed in Liverpool from Ireland had come to this country in order to obtain relief, and were not of the class of persons who were likely to emigrate. He was led to believe, from what he had heard on the subject, that emigration during the present year would be carried on upon a very large scale.
A NOBLE LORDsuggested that it would be desirable to have returns from other ports as well as Liverpool. He should like to know the number which had been landed lately at Newport, in Wales.
§ Returns ordered to be printed.