§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked, in view of a statement made at the recent Imperial Conference that since 1907 the work of the Emigrants' Information Office has more than doubled, what amounts were voted for the cost of that office for the years 1905–6, 1906–7, 1907–8, 1908–9, 1909–10, and 1911–12; in what way 1552 the information supplied by the Emigrants' Information Office differs from that supplied by the official representatives of the overseas Dominions resident in this country; and whether the officer or officers of the Emigrants' Information Office, giving information other than by means of printed matter, give that information voluntarily or are acting under instructions from the Colonial Office?
Mr. HARCOURTThe grant-in-aid of the Emigrants' Information Office was £1,500 in each of the first three years mentioned, and £l,700 in each of the last three years. The information supplied by the office is designed for the guidance and protection of British subjects contemplating emigration from the United Kingdom, and for this purpose the office relies not only upon the information which is liberally placed at its disposal by the Dominion Governments, but also upon the Press and reports of private correspondents in the Dominions, and upon visits paid by Members of the office to the Dominions. The office also supplies information about British Crown Colonies and Protectorates and certain foreign countries. It is part of the recognised duties of the office to give verbal information to inquirers at the office as well as by means of printed matter. The office is under the general supervision of the Secretary of State.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay information given verbally be considered as official information?
Mr. HARCOURTI do not know whether it should be considered official, but I am quite certain from my knowledge of the people who give it that it is reliable.