§ MR. LANEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would try and get some guarantee from the representative of the Argentine Republic in London that proper measures will be taken to provide for the reception of the large number of Irish emigrants who are about to sail for Buenos Ayres nest week?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONThe Argentine Minister in this country can give no special guarantee of the nature indicated. The Argentine Government have published regulations which, if fulfilled, appear to furnish satisfactory safeguards. As I stated on Tuesday, the discomfort of the immigrants on a recent occasion was owing to unforeseen circumstances, and was only temporary. Her Majesty's Government are providing for the observation of British immigrants by a special office under Her Majesty's Minister.
§ MR. LANEEmigrants have been induced to leave Ireland by representatives of the Argentine Republic in Ireland, and I would ask, therefore, whether the Republic is not responsible for due provision being made for them on their arrival?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONNo doubt that would be so, but the Government have no reason to believe that the expectations that have been held out have not been fulfilled. A number of emigrants disembarked when the barracks were already full, and temporary accommodation was provided for them. News have been received by the Minister of the Argentine Republic that all these persons were in a few days forwarded to their destination. Full Reports have been received from our Chargés d'Affaires, and I shall be happy to show them to the hon. Member.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHHave not complaints been received from emigrants who went from England in July stating that they have been grossly deceived, 1033 that they have been paid with paper money, that they have suffered from extreme want, and have been unable to get away from the port?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONNo Reports to that effect have been received from our Minister, but a returned emigrant has called at the Foreign Office and stated that he had been unable to get employment in his particular trade, which was that of a manufacturer of coloured glass; but he called in consequence of the published complaints to state that nothing could exceed the kindness with which he was treated by the authorities and by British residents.
§ MR. J. O'CONNORHow is it, if there is nothing to be complained of, that the French Government have interfered to prevent French emigrants going to the Republic?
§ MR BRADLAUGHIs it not the fact that some months ago Belgian emigrants to the Republic were warned by an official notice in Brussels of the evils that are now complained of?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONI am aware that a notice was issued by the Belgian Government that they had appointed agents in Belgium to give information to intending emigrants to the Argentine Republic. I will make inquiry in regard to the other matters which have been mentioned.