§ MR. SLOANI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Royal Commission of 1903 on Alien Immigration took evidence with regard to the influx of aliens into Ireland; and, if not, will he, in view of legislation this session, take some means of obtaining evidence concerning Ireland before the introduction of the Aliens Bill.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIn answer to my hon. friend, I have to say that no special investigations were made by this Commission into the subject of alien immigration into Ireland, and I understand that no evidence was given before the Home Office which would indicate that there are evils connected with alien 1492 immigration in that part of the United Kingdom. But any evidence which my hon. friend has to give to the Home Office on that subject will be gratefully received.
§ MR. SLOANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an offer to give evidence was made to the Commission, and they refused to accept it.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWell, I was not aware of that, and my hon. friend is aware that I have no control over a Commission. What evidence they shall take or not take rests in their own discretion.
§ MR. DELANYIs it not a fact that the only undesirable aliens we have in Ireland are the men who are sent over from this country to govern Ireland against the will of the people of the country?
§ [No Answer was returned.]