§ 35. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour the number of Southern Irish immigrants who have recently entered Great Britain with a view to obtaining employment; what action he proposes to take to prevent unemployment being thereby caused to British workers; and what, if any, steps are being taken to prevent such immigrants from becoming a charge on national funds in the event of their losing their employment while in this country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)No precise figures are available with regard to the first part of the question. With regard to the second and third parts, I would remind my hon. Friend that there is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre there any reciprocal privileges to workers of British origin in the Irish Free State; and is it not desirable that there should be such reciprocal privileges or else that this matter should be dealt with having regard to the number of British workers put out of employment in this way?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI do not think it is a question of reciprocal privileges. There is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom, and no special arrangements are being made with respect to this matter.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENAre we to understand that power is being taken to deport Irish immigrants who have got on to public assistance in this country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADNo, I have not said that.