§ MR. RANKINasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, Whether the Local Government Office is prepared to give to Boards of Guardians the necessary information to enable them to take steps to carry out their powers for the emigration of pauper children; and, whether, in view of the large and probably increasing emigration which will take place from this Country, the Government will take into their consideration the desirability of establishing a sub-department of either the Local Government Board or the Colonial Office to deal with all questions connected with emigration, and to be a channel for supplying all necessary information to intending emigrants?
MR. GEORGE RUSSELLWe believe that Boards of Guardians are fully aware of their statutory powers with 347 regard to the emigration of pauper children. If, in any case, they desired further information, we should be glad to supply it. As regards information as to particular Colonies, this is a question for the Crown Agents and Agents General of the Colonies. Emigration other than at the cost of the rates is not a matter which comes within our province, and we are not prepared to suggest the creation of such a Sub-Department for Emigration.