HC Deb 14 March 1889 vol 333 cc1629-30
MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)

asked the Under Secretary for the Colonies whether he was aware that large numbers of emigrants are leaving Portsmouth for the Argentine Republic; and whether it was possible for the Emigrants' Information Office to circulate, for the guidance of intending emigrants to South America, accurate information as to soil, climate, probabilities of employment, wages, and cost of living in the Argentine Republic?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. DE WORMS,) Liverpool, Toxteth

The increase of emigration to South America is referred to in the last Report on Emigration, and has been continued during the present year, as stated by my right hon. Friend the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs in his reply to a question in the House on the 28th of February. Large numbers of inquiries with regard to the Argentine Republic are received at the Emigrants' Information Office, and are usually referred to the London Information Office of the Argentine Government, unless they can be answered from such Consular and other Reports as are received through the Foreign Office. The instructions given to the Committee of the Emigrants' Information Office confine them to the British Colonies, and their staff is so limited that their present work, to be done thoroughly, gives full occupation. It is undoubtedly most desirable that accurate information should be given as to foreign countries to which British emigrants go, notably at the present time the Argentine Republic; but if the office is to undertake to do so, it must be strengthened and enlarged. The Committee do what they can at present in inviting and utilizing for individual inquirers any information bearing on emigration to any part of the world, while not issuing pamphlets as to any but British Colonies.

MR. BRADLAUGH

I believe that the information already given by the Office has been of great advantage to emigrants, and prevented many of them from going to places where they could not get employment. Will the Government recommend some additional outlay, for the purpose of extending this information?

BARON HENRY DE WORMS

I should be glad to do it, but I am afraid it is a question for the Treasury. We have no money.

MR. BRADLAUGH

As the Secretary to the Treasury is in his place, and has heard the answer of the Under Secretary, may I ask whether an application to the Treasury for money for this purpose by the Colonial Office would receive his support?

MR. JACKSON

I am quite sure that the Treasury will give the most respectful and earnest consideration to any application that may be made to it.