Oral Answers to Questions — Irish Immigrants.

– in the House of Commons on 21st May 1935.

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Photo of Sir Louis Smith Sir Louis Smith , Sheffield, Hallam

26.

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?

Photo of Mr John Gilmour Mr John Gilmour , Glasgow Pollok

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.

Photo of Sir Louis Smith Sir Louis Smith , Sheffield, Hallam

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?

Photo of Mr John Gilmour Mr John Gilmour , Glasgow Pollok

As I have explained, not under the existing statutes.

Photo of Mr Rhys Davies Mr Rhys Davies , Westhoughton

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?

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

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

Photo of Mr Frederick Macquisten Mr Frederick Macquisten , Argyll

They work harder than the Welsh.