HC Deb 12 July 1883 vol 281 cc1225-6
MR. LEAMY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is the fact that a number of pauper emigrants who were not permitted to land at New York arrived at Queens-town on Monday last, and were landed there at 4 o'clock a.m. in an utterly destitute condition, and were allowed to remain lying on the quay for several hours without receiving any assistance; whether he can state what has become of these people; and, whether the Local Government Board will take care that in future some one representing the Board will await the arrival of ships by which other emigrants returning under like circumstances are expected?

MR. TREVELYAN

Five families, of about 16 persons in all, were sent back to Queenstown. The emigration agent did not know of the expected arrival of these persons in Queenstown. They were landed about 4 o'clock in the morning; and when the emigration agent heard of their arrival he provided them with lodgings at Miss O'Brien's Emigration Home. They have all been sent back to the Unions from which they were sent out. Only one family complained of having to remain till the agent was informed of their arrival. The Local Government Board will take care to inform themselves when State-aided emigrants are to be sent back to this country, and the Emigration Committee will cause an emigration agent to look after them on their arrival.

MR. LEAMY

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as a matter of fact, it was not stated in all the papers that these persons were coming back; and whether the Local Government Board did not in this way get information as to the fact; and, also, whether he did not consider the Local Government Board ought to take care of all emigrants who were sent back, be they State-aided or not?

MR. TREVELYAN

Yes; I think the Local Government Board ought to do so.

MR. O'BRIEN

Who will pay the expenses of these returned emigrants?

MR. TREVELYAN

The expenses will be very small. I do not know on whose behalf the hon. Member speaks, whether he is anxious to save the ratepayers or the people themselves. The people themselves will not pay them and I can assure the hon. Member the matter will be very easily settled.