§ Mr. FELLasked how many of the work men discharged from Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard applied to the emigration office of the Board of Trade after they had received the circular from the War Office recommending them to apply there; and how many of these applicants went abroad so far as the emigration office is aware; and what was their destination?
§ Colonel SEELYIn the earlier months of 1907 several inquiries were made at the Emigrant's Information Office, personally and by letter, by men describing themselves as discharged from Woolwich 1147 Arsenal. I regret that figures cannot be given, as the office is not able to keep a detailed record of the circumstances of the individual inquiries. The functions of the Emigrant's Information Office are limited to answering inquiries and supplying information in other ways to intending emigrants. It is rarely within the knowledge of the office whether particular inquirers who call or write for advice do or do not leave the country. It is, therefore, not practicable to answer the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. FELLDo these applicants confer with the people at the office, or are they simply handed papers and go away?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Emigrants' Information Office gives all the information it can, and it works very hard. I have knowledge of it, because my private secretary is a member of the Board. I think they give all the information they can personally and by circular.