HC Deb 21 May 1935 vol 302 cc176-7
26. Mr. L. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any regulations are in existence to control the influx of cheap Irish Free State labour into this country through the Ulster ports?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

There is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom, but the census reports show that there were fewer Irish-born persons in Great Britain in 1931 than in 1921.

Mr. SMITH

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the Irish immigrants are receiving public assistance at the ports to which they come, some of these being in depressed areas, and can he take any steps to prevent numbers more coming over?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I have explained, not under the existing statutes.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these Irish labourers are employed in this country by English, Scottish and Welsh employers because they are cheaper than native labour?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that Irish labour is cheaper labour?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

They work harder than the Welsh.