HC Deb 18 March 1903 vol 119 cc1103-4
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS (Birmingham, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now say what numbers of aliens are now in prison; what proportion they bear to the total prison population; and what is the cost of their detention.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS, Kent, St. Augustine's)

The number of aliens who were in prison on the 2nd instant, when a census was taken, is, so far as can be ascertained, 625; they form about 3 per cent, of the prison population; and the total cost of carrying out their sentences is roughly estimated at £30,000.

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS

Is there any power to restore these persons to their native country on the expiration of their sentences?

*MR. AKERS DOUGLAS

No, Sir; I have no statutory powers.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

What percentage does the foreign prison population represent of the whole foreign population in this country?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! Notice of such a Question is obviously necessary.