§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the immigration between 1st January and 31st May, 1902, of no less than 28,337 aliens for sojourn in the United Kingdom, and mainly in the crowded districts of the East End of London, and that in the same five months 54,477 aliens arrived, stating that they were en route to America; and whether, in view of the effect of this immigration upon the labouring population of this country, he will urge the Royal Commission to sit de die in diem, and submit their proposals for legislation before the close of the session.
§ MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask whether there is any evidence that all the 28,337 aliens, not stated to be en route for America, arrived, as stated in the question of ray hon. friend, "for sojourn in the United Kingdom," and settled in any particular quarter of London.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE HOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe answer to the supplementary Question is in the negative. The number stated are those of aliens arriving in the United Kingdom from Continental ports, who are not described in the Alien Lists as en route for other countries, and who are so described respectively. I have on other occasions informed the hon. Member that those not described as en route do not all come for sojourn in this country. I see no reason to make any representations to the Royal Commission as regards their procedure.
§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent the importation of aliens into the Stock Exchange?
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAnd into this House?