§ MR. STEVENSON () Suffolk, EyeI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Governor of Gibraltar to enforce the statutory powers conferred upon him for the exclusion of destitute aliens from the town and garrison of Gibraltar; how many' licences were granted in the year 1899 to aliens applying for permission to' reside within the fortress; whether any recommendations were made, by the Gibraltar Committee in 1898 with reference to this subject in connection with overcrowding and sanitary reform; and what are the objections to communicating to the House a summary of the general conclusions arrived at by the Committee, omitting all reference to any recommendations relating to armaments and defence works.
§ MR. BRODRICK (for Mr. J. CHAMBER-lain)The provisions of the aliens Order in Council are strictly enforced. Permits of residence to aliens are only granted on the application of a respectable inhabitant, who is responsible if the alien is incapable of maintaining himself. In 1899, 3,820 permits were issued and 3,240 given up. On 31st December last there were 2,839 persons living in the fortress on permit, and 364 in the bay. The Committee made, no recommendation except that the law should continue to be strictly enforced. 1093 It would be undesirable to give the conclusions of the Committee without giving their report, which, as I have already informed the hon. Member, is confidential.