HC Deb 12 December 1906 vol 167 c334
SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that English addresses are let on hire on board immigrant ships to enable aliens to impose upon immigration boards that they have friends in this country who will be responsible for them; that £5 notes are similarly lent in order to deceive the boards; and if he will caution them to be on their guard against this fraud and, before giving admittance, to have addresses verified and the hirers of £5 notes closely cross-examined.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) Yes, Sir. I am well aware that tricks such as those mentioned in the Question are practised by some alien immigrants or by persons on their behalf. The immigration officers and boards have even better reason than myself to be aware of the facts.