HC Deb 21 April 1921 vol 140 cc2049-50
74. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

asked the Chief Secretary whether the regulations as to the registration of aliens resident in Ireland are still enforced; and whether he is in a position to state the number of Germans, Russians, and other aliens at present resident in Ireland and their respective occupations?

Mr. HENRY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the collection of this information would take some little time, and would entail an amount of labour which I am reluctant at the present moment to impose on the police.

Sir S. BENN

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider it necessary to have the information, even if he does not think it necessary or desirable to publish it?

Mr. HENRY

Of course, we have some information on the subject, but it would not be desirable to put the police to the trouble now, having regard to the very serious duties imposed upon them.