HC Deb 14 May 1900 vol 83 cc41-2
CAPTAIN DONELAN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that over 2,200 Irish emigrants embarked at Queenstown for America in a single week of last month; and whether it is proposed to take any steps with a view to prevent the further depopulation of Ireland.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. G. W. BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)

The largest number of Irish emigrants who left Queenstown in any one week of last month was 1,950. I may add, however, that the total number of emigrants from Ireland during the first four months of the present year is considerably less than the average number for the corresponding period in the past ten years.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last paragraph of the question.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I do not see what answer I can give. The Government cannot introduce legislation to stop it.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Certainly not.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

But you could find a remedy by rooting the people to the soil by a system of compulsory sale.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!