§ 37. Mr. FELLasked if arrangements are now in force to obtain more detailed particulars of the condition of the emigrants leaving this country, dis- 368 tinguishing particularly in respect of labourers, the numbers of agricultural labourers, and of labourers employed in the building trade?
Mr. BUXTONThe shipping companies are required to furnish information with regard to the occupations of passengers—other than saloon—leaving this country, and efforts have been made to improve the returns in this respect. Up to the present, however, the particulars received are not sufficiently definite to enable any exact classification of occupations to be made, but some information on the subject is given in the annual report on emigration.
§ Mr. FELLIt was promised that the record distinguishing between agricultural labourers and labourers from towns should be attended to. Is that being done?
Mr. BUXTONThe real difficulty is obtaining the distinction from the labourers themselves. I have the matter in hand, and will endeavour to meet the hon. Member as far as possible.