HC Deb 30 October 1912 vol 43 c451
92. Mr. FELL

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can state what is the present value of each adult emigrant who leaves this country; if the estimate of £200 per head which prevailed ten years ago should now be increased owing to the in-creased cost of living and education; and what is the estimated pecuniary loss to this country occasioned by the emigration of the 261,000 persons who left the United Kingdom in 1911?

Mr. BUXTON

I am afraid that the hon. Member must make his own estimates.

Mr. LYELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea of the proportion of these emigrants who went to the British Dominions beyond the seas?

Mr. BUXTON

I cannot answer that question off-hand.

Mr. FELL

Is it not a fact that the United States Government and Canada estimate the value of these emigrants on arrival at £200 some years ago, and that it has increased since?

Mr. BUXTON

That may be so, but I do not feel capable at the present moment of estimating the actual value in pounds, shillings and pence of any particular emigrant.