§ MR. DAVID THOMASI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the expression of feeling in Canada, at the attitude he has taken up in respect to the emigration of Welsh settlers from Patagonia to Canada, and if he has any statement to make on the matter. And, whether in view of the fact that the cost of transporting the 500 settlers who are alleged to have expressed a desire to go to Canada would not much exceed £5,000, and the anxiety of the Canadian Government to encourage immigration, he will, by way of suggestion only, draw the attention of the Canadian Government to the desirable character of these Welsh settlers, and the small cost that would be incurred in their transport.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have seen the Press telegrams, to which, I presume, the hon. Member refers, from which it would appear that my reply to the deputation which waited upon me in regard to this matter has been misunderstood. When the full report of my remarks reaches Canada, this misunderstanding will be cleared up, and I have no further statement to make. The Dominion Government has already full information regarding the desirable character of these settlers, and the cost of transporting them to Canada, and I do not think I could usefully make any suggestion to them in the matter. I hope that the private subscriptions which are being invited to supplement the offer of the Canadian Government, will be sufficient to enable these settlers to find a home under the British flag.