29. Mr. BOOTH BYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the inquiries he has been making into the question of Irish immigration are concluded; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThis question remains under consideration, and I am not in a position to make any statement. Further information on the subject will be furnished by the report of the recent -census, when published.
Mr. BOOTH BYIs it not the fact that this question has been under the consideration of the right hon. Gentleman for nearly two years, and is there any chance of improving the conditions in the West of Scotland until the volume of Irish immigration is controlled?
§ Mr. BARRIs it not the case that this matter was under the control of the late Government for five years?
Mr. ADAMSONI am very glad that the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) has put his supplementary question, because it gives me an opportunity of replying to the effect that the present Government have not had this question under consideration for half the time that the late Government were considering it.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that to blame the inactivity of the preceding Government is any excuse for the present Government?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYHas the question of Scottish immigration to this country been considered?