§ Mr. MACMASTERasked whether His Majesty's Government had in operation any effective scheme for directing the attention of emigrants who, from necessity or choice, were leaving the United Kingdom to the opportunities afforded for settlement in our overseas self-governing Possessions, with a view to the continuance of these emigrants as subjects of the Crown, to the maintenance and strengthening of the man-power of the Empire, and to the development of the resources of the daughter nations, whose productions were largely consumed in this country.; and, if so, whether he would state what the scheme was?
§ Colonel SEELYHis Majesty's Government maintain the Emigrants Information Office for the purpose of giving information and guidance to intending emigrants. The work and publications of the office are mainly concerned with the self-governing Dominions. An account of the history and functions of the office will be found in a Memorandum presented to Parliament in May, 1907 (Cd. 3407), in which it is pointed out that the influence of the office has as a matter of fact been exerted in the direction of specially en- 4 couraging emigration to the great British Colonies because the Committeee have felt that with their close similarity of institutions, kinship of race and identity of language, and with their large areas of available land, they offer the best openings for the emigrant from this country. The annual Report of the office is also laid before Parliament.
§ Mr. MACMASTERIs the Report referred to the Report of the Inquiry Officer?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is the Report of the Emigrants Information Office. If the hon. Gentleman will call at the office they will give him the information.
Sir GILBERT PARKERIs there any reason to believe that a very large number of people take advantage of the information supplied by this office, and does the office give any facilities to intending emigrants?
§ Colonel SEELYYes, it issues leaflets and an immense number of persons get information.