If you don't need a full Perl, you can likely save quite some space by looking at staticperl. Alternatively, you can install just miniperl or microperl. You won't be able to install any modules that require XS after the master installation, and I'd be careful to always point out that this is not a "full Perl", but if you're pressed for space, that might help.

Debian also ships the Perl documentation separately, so looking at what they leave out might also help.