§ Sir R. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the estimate that during the past three years nearly 73,000 young people have left the Irish 1887W Free State to take up residence or work in England; and whether any steps are to be taken in the early future to discourage this drift, which is contrary to the interests of the Free State and this country?
Marquess of HartingtonThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand, however. that the figure given cannot be taken as an accurate indication of the position. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the right hon. Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on 2nd and 9th November. I might perhaps add that my attention has been called to Press reports that the Government of the Irish Free State have recently instituted an inquiry into certain aspects of this migration.