§ 11 and 12. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any steps are taken to prevent men deserting their wives and families and leaving them destitute at home by emigration to the Colonies and other places within the British Empire and Dependencies, in cases where application is made for assisted passages by Agents of the Governments of the Colonies and other places; and (2) whether any and, if so, what steps are taken to ascertain whether men of full age who are granted assisted passages to Australia by the Government Agents of the Colonies are questioned before the assistance is given in regard to the dependants, if any, they are leaving at home; and whether any steps and, if so, what steps are taken to verify the statements made by such men before assisted passages are granted?
Mr. HARCOURTI am not in possession of the information asked for by the hon. Member, but will inquire of the High Commissioners and Agents-General and communicate to him the result.