NORTHERN IRELAND
News Letter
The “disposal” of children by emigration to Australia produced substantial savings, according to a 1928 report by Northern Ireland’s Government.
Support for the migration schemes was broadly due to concern for the child and concern for the community and the religious and moral welfare of the young person, the Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry heard.
Removal also allayed the danger posed by remaining at an unsuitable home or in an institution.
Britain and Northern Ireland was over-populated whereas the colonies were under-populated.
Christine Smith QC, lawyer to the inquiry, said: “There was a need to build up the Empire and ensure the Empire was of white common British stock.”
Emigrants would have a chance to better themselves and make room in overcrowded workhouses and orphanages.
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