HC Deb 27 March 1907 vol 171 cc1807-8
SIR W. EVANS GORDON

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the number of bankruptcies reported to have taken place among aliens resident in this country, he will obtain from the Registrar General information as to the gross loss to creditors arising from such bankruptcies during the last five years; how many aliens have been made bankrupt in that time, and how many of these cases occurred in London; what is the average payment to creditors of native and alien bankrupts respectively; how many alien bankrupts have been found not to have kept books in the same period; what is the average proportion of assets to debts as between native and alien bankrupts; how many bankrupts have been Russian subjects; and how many have stated that, prior to their insolvency, they made their business over to their wives or other relatives.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

As I have already informed the hon. Member, no separate statistics for alien bankrupts have been kept by the Board of Trade, and I am unable therefore to furnish the information desired.

SIR W. EVANS GORDON

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that Mr. Registrar Link later only yesterday, in referring to the number of alien bankrupts appearing before him, said he could hardly believe he was presiding over a British Court. Was the right hon. Gentleman aware also that the facts and figures referred to in the Question were laid before the Royal Commission on Alien Immigration two or three years ago by the Registrar General, and could he not now have them brought up to date?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

said that of course his Department had nothing to do with the Registrar-General, but his attention had been called to the statement of the Registrar. He thought he might himself undertake to say that they should be brought to the notice of the Departmental Committee on the subject.

SIR W. EVANS-GORDON

asked whether he might bring before this Committee any facts in his possession.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

said he would be glad if the hon. and gallant Member could see his way to give evidence.