HC Deb 02 March 1937 vol 321 cc166-7
21. Sir William Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that destitute persons who have come from Northern Ireland into Great Britain, and are unable to obtain employment, are repatriated into Northern Ireland, whereas the much larger number of destitute persons who have come to Great Britain from the Irish Free State are not deported back to the Irish Free State, but remain a charge on British funds; and whether steps will be taken to prevent the continuance of this anomaly and to protect the British taxpayer from this burden, especially as reciprocal treatment for British unemployed citizens in the Irish Free State is not obtainable?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The position is that under existing legislation persons becoming destitute in any part of the United Kingdom may be returned to that part of the United Kingdom to which they properly belong, though they do not on that account cease to be chargeable to public funds in the United Kingdom. There is, however, no provision for deporting British subjects from the United Kingdom, from whatever Dominion they may come, and therefore it is impracticable under existing legislation to remove persons compulsorily to the Irish Free State. As regards the second part of the question, the possibility of making a reciprocal arrangement with the Irish Free State Government for the repatriation of destitute persons has in previous years been under examination, but so far it has not been found possible to conclude any such arrangement. I am informed that it is not correct to suggest that in this matter there is discrimination in the Irish Free State against British unemployed citizens.

Sir W. Davison

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the position of the Irish Free State is quite different from that of any other Dominion, and will the Government consider what steps are necessary to prevent this unfair differentiation between Northern and Southern Ireland which operates unfairly on the British taxpayer?

Mr. MacDonald

The position of the Irish Free State is, of course, different from that of other Dominions in this matter on account of the geographical situation. On the other hand, a matter of principle is involved which is of interest to all the Dominions, and I can assure the hon. Member that I am watching the situation very carefully.

Mr. Logan

Would it not be possible in putting this question for the hon. Member to specify the particular areas from which they come so that we could have definite information? In particular localities they have to be domiciled for 12 months before any relief can be given. Is it not the same in other parts of the country?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore

Would it not be possible to put an import duty on Southern Irish human beings as is placed on Southern Irish animals?

Mr. MacDonald

That question had better be put on the Order Paper.

Sir Ronald Ross

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is possible to get a fairly reciprocal agreement with the Government of the Irish Free State?