HC Deb 30 April 1906 vol 156 cc252-3
MR. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a widow named Delia Turner, who had resided for thirty-four years in America, became partially paralysed and was admitted to the Tucksbury State Hospital, Boston; that she was placed on board a vessel by the authorities and her passage paid to Athlone, her native town, without consulting her wishes in the matter; that she has been admitted to this workhouse and is now a charge upon the rates; and whether, seeing that she is anxious to go back to America, he proposes to take any action in the matter.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BRYCE,) Aberdeen, S.

The Local Government Board have ascertained from the clerk of the Athlone Union that, according to the information supplied to the Guardians by Mrs. Turner herself, the facts are as stated in the Question. Mrs. Turner is now in the Athlone workhouse and is a charge upon the races. Having regard to the United States immigration laws which forbid the entrance of persons unable to provide for themselves, I do not see that any steps can be taken for sending Mrs. Turner back to the United States. The general question of the deportation of paupers and lunatics from the United States to this country is, however receiving the consideration of the Government.