HC Deb 12 March 1828 vol 18 c1126
Lord Stanley

rose to move for a select committee to take into consideration the state of the laws relating to the passing of Irish Vagrants to their own country. The subject was one of great importance to the county of Lancaster, which was at considerable expense in passing Irish vagrants; and he thought the House would agree that it was hard that one county should be put to extraordinary expense, and feel the pressure almost exclusively, in consequence of its local situation. It would appear from the returns, that the numbers passed yearly were very considerable. In 1818, the numbers passed were 6,614; in 1819, 6,138. In 1823, there was an apparent reduction on the face of the returns; but it was only apparent, or if real was owing to temporary causes, as would appear from the subsequent increase. In 1823, the numbers were 1,337; in 1824, 3,043; in 1825, 3,358; and between June 1826, and July 1827, the numbers were 7,988. In fact, the evil had amounted to such a height, that something ought to be done to relieve the county of Lancaster from the burthen imposed upon it from this cause. His intention was, to move for a select committee, to inquire into the subject; and he thought the sooner they met the better, in order that they might decide what sort of returns they would require from the different counties, to enable them to enter into the merits of the case. His lordship concluded, by moving for the appointment of the said committee; which was agreed to.