§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he had any official information of an Order in Council being passed by the Dominion Government of Canada admitting all labourers, except Asiatics, to the Dominion who were guaranteed employment by railway contractors or companies, irrespective of money qualification or of a direct journey; if so, would he explain in what way this order amends the new regulation refusing entry to Canada to all persons assisted by emigration societies, philanthropic bodies, or out of public funds, unless such persons are going to farm work previously found for them by Dominion agents; and what steps, if any, the Government had taken or propose to take to promulgate the information in this country?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State has not yet received a copy of the Order in Council referred to, but he has ascertained by semi-official inquiry that, until otherwise advised, railway construction labourers will be admitted without landing money on presenting themselves to immigration inspectors in Canada, if they are found to be mentally, morally, and physically fit and can produce a guarantee of work from railway contractors or railway companies. As far as can be ascertained this does not apply to emigrants assisted by emigration societies, philanthropic bodies, or out of public funds. Publicity will no doubt be given to the facts of the case by the Canadian Government and its representatives in this country, and all the information that comes to hand will be given to inquirers by the Emigrants' Information Office.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIn view of the statement made in this House by the President of the Board of Trade the other day that employers in the Colonies would be allowed to communicate with the Labour Exchanges for the purpose of obtaining labour in this country, may I ask, if that labour could be obtained, would those persons be allowed to enter Canada?
§ Colonel SEELYThat would depend upon circumstances, as I have already explained in my answer to the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEI take it persons would not be allowed to go to Canada unless they were going to work on the railways?
§ Colonel SEELYThis is a very important matter. It would depend, apparently, in most cases whether first of all the emigrants were assisted out of public funds or by public bodies. If they are, it appears to be a case that they must undertake to proceed to farm labour, but if they are not so assisted, then they can land.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I take it, from the answer of the President of the Board of Trade, that this has no effect whatever so far as the Labour Exchanges go?
§ Colonel SEELYNo; I do not think the hon. Gentleman can draw that inference.