HC Deb 29 May 1911 vol 26 cc689-90
Captain MURRAY

asked the number of emigrants from Scottish ports during the years 1901 to 1910, inclusive?

Mr. BUXTON

The number of British subjects who sailed from ports in Scotland for countries out of Europe in the ten years 1901 to 1910 was 297,332. The number of emigrants included in this total cannot be stated.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask if the greater number of these emigrants from the country districts do not come from the northern part or crofting districts of Scotland?

Mr. BUXTON

Perhaps the hon. Member will kindly give me notice of that.

Mr. WATT

Is it not the Land Laws which are driving these men from Scotland?

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask whether the land in the crofting districts is practically under Government tenure and not under landlords, and whether that is where the greater part of the emigrants come from?