Depopulation of Ireland.
Mr. MACVEAGH: I beg to ask the First Lord of
the Treasury whether his attention has been called
to the fact that since 1841 the population of Ireland
has declined from 8,197,000 to 4,458,775, being a
reduction equal to nearly 90 per cent. of the present
population of the country; whether he is aware that in
the same period the population of England has increased
from 16,038,000 to 30,807,243, being an increase of
nearly 70 per cent.; whether he is aware that the population
of Ireland is still decreasing, whilst that of England and
Scotland is still increasing; and whether he proposes to
initiate during the present session any legislation with
the object of arresting the continued decline in the
population of Ireland.
Mr. A. J. BALFOUR: I believe the figures in the
Question are substantially accurate, although not to
a figure. I have no suggestion to make for dealing by
legislation with the question of the depopulation of
Ireland.
Mr. JOHN REDMOND: Do we take that as a confession
of despair on the part of the British Government of
Ireland and of failure to stem the tide of emigration
from that country ?
Mr. A.J. BALFOUR: I do not take it in that way at all.
The hon. Member will agree that the standard of comfort
of the inhabitants as well as their number has to be
taken into account.
