HC Deb 06 March 1911 vol 22 c811
Mr. ARNOLD WARD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the attention of the Government has been called to the growing activity in this country of Mormon missionaries from the United States; whether he has any official information showing that young English girls are being induced to emigrate to Utah; and, if so, whether the Government propose to take any steps to safeguard English homes from this danger?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My attention has been called to the matter, and I am making inquiries. I have at present no official information showing that young girls are being induced to emigrate to Utah.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any information that polygamy is still practised in Utah, and whether there is any objection to the girls going there?

Mr. ARNOLD WARD

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has official information that the United States Senate has reported that the leaders of the Mormon church have practised and encouraged polygamy?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am aware that the matter is causing a great deal of concern in certain quarters in this country. I am treating it in a serious spirit, and looking into it very thoroughly.