§ MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has arranged for the deportation of the large band of gipsies who have caused so much expense and trouble in the country; if so, who is going to pay the expenses of such deportation; and whether he has given or will give instructions under the Aliens Act to prohibit the landing of foreign gipsies in the future at any of our seaports.
§ * MR. GLADSTONEAt my request the Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress by willing and effective action, which I think should be generally appreciated, arranged last week for the repatriation of the two large bands of gipsies which have been wandering about the country for some time past. No public money has been provided, but the matter is under consideration. With regard to the last part of the Question, I 590 have no power under the Act to prohibit the landing of foreign gipsies as such at any port in the United Kingdom.
§ MR. FELLJudging by their habits is not the right hon. Gentleman inclined to think that these gipsies are undesirable aliens?
§ * MR. GLADSTONEThat is a question which has to be considered on its merits by the Immigration Boards.