HC Deb 19 October 1899 vol 77 cc242-3
MR. FIELD

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a resolution was passed by the Rathdrum Union protesting against the transference of James Richardson from Sheffield; whether he is aware that Richardson spent thirty-six years of his life in England; and, whether the Government intend to introduce a measure to amend the Law regulating removals in such cases.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. It appears that Richardson had been absent from Ireland for thirty-six years, and that he had only been one week in Sheffield. The Poor Law (Scotland) Act of 1898 provided for the acquirement of a settlement of Irish poor persons living in Scotland, but there is no law of settlement as regards Irish paupers residing in England. The question raised in the last paragraph is one primarily for the consideration of the English Local Government Board.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

When shall we have the promised Conference on the subject of the transfer of paupers?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I will inquire what is being done in the matter.