§ Mr. FELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if there has been a marked increase in the emigration from Ireland in the first four months of this year compared with the corresponding period in the preceding three years; and, if so, can he state if such increase is chiefly to the United States, or to Canada, or where?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The number of persons who emigrated from Ireland during the first four months of 1908, 1909, 1910, and 1911 were respectively, 7,619, 10,114, 10,757, and 11,455. The increase is almost entirely due to increased emigration to Canada and the United States, but while the number of emigrants to the United States has increased from 5,435 during the 2118 first four months of 1908 to 8,595 in the corresponding period of this year, or 58 per cent., the emigration to Canada has increased in the same period from 866 to 1,921, or 122 per cent.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask whether there is a monthly return of these figures issued in Ireland by the Registrar-General, and, if so, whether it would be possible to make that return available generally for Members of the House?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, if there is any demand for it, I will see what can be done.
§ Mr. GINNELLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that one of the causes of emigration is the want of land for landless people, and will he endeavour to make the distribution of land what it ought to be in accordance with the intention of Parliament?
Captain CRAIGDoes the right hon. Gentleman ascribe the emigration to the grave fears of the people in regard to Home Rule?
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask whether it is not; the fact that this emigration is caused by the desire of the people to go to countries where there is Home Rule?
§ Mr. FELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received any reports from Ireland that the emigrants leaving that country at the present time are of a more prosperous class than in former years, and are taking with them larger sums of money; and if he can give any reason or explanation of this or any particulars on the subject?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe official information available with regard to emigration from Ireland does not enable me to answer this question.
§ Mr. FELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the emigrants are of a more prosperous class than in former years?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI really do not know that there is a class distinction between emigrants. That is a matter which would require careful investigation. At present I have not got the information.