§ SIR W. EVANS GORDON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the orders issued by the provincial authorities of the Rhineland, Westphalia, under which many thousands of foreign working men, chiefly Russians from Poland and the Baltic provinces, will be immediately expelled from Prussia; whether numbers of these people are finding their way to this country; and whether persons expelled from Germany on economic grounds will be regarded here as political refugees and allowed to flood the mining industry.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEI am aware that there have been newspaper reports to the effect of the first paragraph of the Question, but I have no authentic information on the subject. There is no indication at present of any influx into this country of the persons referred to. I am unable to answer hypothetical questions as to the meaning of political refugee. The hon. and gallant Member will recollect, moreover, that the Question does not 1106 arise except in a case where the immigrant is required, but is unable, to show that he has, or is in a position to obtain, the means of decently supporting himself.
§ SIR W. EVANS GORDONWill the I right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain if those evictions are taking place in Prussia?
§ *MR. GLADSTONEAssuming that the statements are correct, we have no indication of any increased arrivals here.