§ 16. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he is aware that an agent of the Victorian Government has for some time past been recruiting engineers in this country for that Colony, and that there is much unemployment among qualified engineers in the Colony; if he has received any representations on the matter; if not, will he make inquiries; and, if the facts are found to be as stated, will he take what steps he can to prevent men from being taken from employment here to throw men out of work in the Colonies?
Mr. HARCOURTI understand that the Victorian Government offices in London have engaged no engineers for employment in the State during the past two months, though some were engaged in the early part of the year. I have received no representations on the matter. If engineers in Victoria consider themselves 1206 aggrieved by any action of the State Government they should bring the matter before the State Parliament.