Emigration. (Hansard, 22 June 1910)

§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the statement made by the Prime Minister at the Imperial Conference, 1907, that emigration was a most important matter and a matter as to which there ought to be constant co-operation between the Imperial authorities and the different local communities, he would inform the House what communications, if any, had passed between the Imperial authorities and the different local communities on the subject during the last twenty years; and whether he would lay the correspondence upon the Table of the House?

§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)
The Secretary of State is aware of the statement of the Prime Minister referred to. As at present advised, however, he considers that the needs of the situation are sufficiently met by the presence in this country of officers of the self-governing Dominions specially charged with the business of emigration and by the provision of the Emigrants' Information Office, which, as the hon. Member is aware, affords full and reliable information to inquirers. The Secretary of State does not think that publication of correspondence would serve any useful purpose.

§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there has been any correspondence?

§ Colonel SEELY
That is dealt with in another reply. I am giving to the hon. Gentleman the next question but one.

§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE
Mr. Speaker, may I respectfully say I want an answer to my question?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
The hon. Member will get it if lie has the patience to wait for one minute, or less.

§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE
May I ask if the views of the Colonial Office are identical with the views of the Prime Minister on the question?

§ Colonel SEELY
I understood that the hon. Gentleman referred to the words used by the Prime Minister on May 2nd, 1907. I took the precaution of taking his words down, and I think the House will see that the answer I have given fairly meets the case. The Prime Minister said:— There ought to be constant co-operation between the Imperial authorities and the different, local communities. I may point out that that is secured in the self-governing Dominions.