44. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the burden cast on the unions of this country owing to the numbers of Irish from the Free State who have become chargeable; and, in view of the fact that prior to the constitution of the Free State these persons were liable to be returned to their native land, what action, if any, does he propose taking to relieve the burden cast on the ratepayers?
§ Sir K. WOODI would refer to the reply given by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the right hon. Member for St. Marylebone (Sir R. Rodd) on 25th June, 1928. The views of His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State have not yet been received, but it should be added that the information available to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health does not suggest that in England and Wales the matter is one of serious general importance.
Mr. ERSKINEDoes my right hon. Friend realise that Westminster alone has been mulcted to the extent of £2,300 for the keep of 3,000 of these Irish Free State inmates, and that, therefore, it has nearly ruined the ratepayers of Westminster? [Interrvption.]