HC Deb 14 February 1927 vol 202 cc546-7
36. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the emigration schemes or the schemes for assisted passages to the Dominions apply to ex-service men living in Ireland; and, if they are not eligible, will he consider the possibility of bringing them into the scheme?

Mr. AMERY

Schemes under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, have to be confined to assistance to persons in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many ex-service men, mostly agricultural labourers, are unemployed in Ireland owing to the preference given to soldiers of the National Army? Will he by any means, not necessarily the Empire Settlement Act, lend a helping hand to these men who came to our help?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that these men isolated in the South of Ireland, the children of no country, are necessarily the children of the Imperial Parliament, and that all we are asking is that the same benefit should be extended to them that is extended to their comrades in arms?

Mr. AMERY

Certainly, it is a matter with which every section of the House will endeavour to deal.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiry as to the number of men in this category in Ireland?

Mr. AMERY

I will ascertain.