§ Mr. Littletonpresented a Petition from the Justices of Peace near Lichfield, praying for a Revision of the Laws with respect to Vagrants; belonging to Ireland, Scotland, Guernsey, and Jersey, resident in England. The number of Irish and Scotch vagrants who visited Staffordshire and Shropshire was very great, and they gave a great deal of trouble, particularly the Scotch, who seemed to have an extraordinary desire to revisit the places where they had once been harboured. The parish authorities, at considerable expense, sometimes sent some back to Scotland, but they in general returned, causing additional expense. There were instances of the same individuals having been eight times passed to the northern side of the Tweed within a very short time. With this disposition to prey on their neighbours, there was no other mode of dealing than by a strong legislative measure.
Mr. Cutlar Fergussonsaid, the counties the hon. Member spoke of were fortunate in possessing a means of passing away va- 1274 grants though at a considerable expense and trouble, but that was a power which the counties of Scotland did not possess, and the consequence was, that they were overrun with vagrants from Ireland and England, whom they would gladly get rid of.
Sir James Grahamwished to take that opportunity of asking a noble Lord what was his intention respecting the subject to which he had called the attention of the House some time ago; namely, the great influx of Scotch and Irish paupers.
Lord Stanley, in answer, stated, that shortly after the recess he would submit to the House a proposition with respect to the best mode of passing Scotch and Irish paupers to their own countries.
§ Petition laid on the Table.