HC Deb 16 December 1902 vol 116 cc1324-5
MR. WEIR () Ross and Cromarty

To ask the Postmaster General, as representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that six; British workmen, who recently arrived It Sydney on board the steamship "Orontes," under a contract with a clothing manufacturer, have been refused permission to land under the immigration Act, and that they have been informed that the onus of proving that they possess special skill which is not obtainable in the Commonwealth rests with them; and will he state whether any steps are taken to make these conditions of the Immigration Act known to intending emigrants and to steamship companies who convey passengers to the Australian Colonics.

(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain, for the Secretary of State for the Colonics.)

I have no infomation as to the case of the workmen on board the "Orontes" beyond what has appeared in the Press, from which it would appear that these men have been permitted to land in Australia. Full information as to the conditions has been published in the circulars of the Emigrants' Information Office.