MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Government will bring in a Bill this Session to discontinue the deportation of paupers from Great Britain to Ireland?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe matter referred to is still the subject of communications between the authorities in Ireland, England and Scotland. I may observe, however, that to afford any substantial relief in this direction, in the interests of Ireland, legislation would be required relating to England and Scotland rather than to Ireland.
MR. FIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many unions in Ireland resolutions have been passed drawing attention to hardships caused to the ratepayers by this deportation of paupers from Great Britain, and cannot something be done immediately to put a stop to it?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am aware that ever since I have become Chief Secretary I have been paying attention to this subject. The difficulties in the way of a settlement of this question are enormous.
MR. FIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that the paupers deported into Ireland be sent back?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThat would be contrary to the law. We have no power to do that, even if we wanted to.