§ MR. J. G. TALBOT (Oxford University)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the alleged immigration into this country of a large number of foreigners in a destitute condition; and, whether, if the statement is correct, the Government will endeavour to make such representations to Foreign Governments as will put a check upon so heavy an addition to the burdens of the ratepayers of this country?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)There has been a considerable increase of foreigners in the East End of London who have become chargeable to the public, and complaints are also made of the impoverishment of wages caused by the competition of foreign labour in certain industries. If it were determined to take any steps to check the immigration of persons not in a condition to maintain themselves the matter would be one of domestic legislation, rather than for representation to Foreign Governments.
§ MR. T. P. GILL (Louth, S.)inquired, whether foreigners who entered English workhouses were sent back to their own country in the same way as Irish people were?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONreplied that it was notorious that they could not send foreigners abroad in the same way that destitute people were sent to their own parishes.