§ 40. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a letter from the South end and District Trades Council with reference to the exportation of young children to Canada by the Southend Board of Guardians; if he is aware that young children, eight years of age, have been taken before the local magistrates with a view of finding out if they are willing to go to Canada; and if he intends taking any action so as to prevent young children being sent away to other countries?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISThe Local Government Board have received a letter on this subject from the Southend Branch of the National Union of Gasworkers and General Labourers. The law requires that children who are to be emigrated should be taken before the local magistrates with a view to their consent being obtained. The Local Government Board, in the absence of special circumstances, raise no objection to the emigration to Canada of orphan and deserted children 915 above the age of seven years. There is a complete system of official inspection of child emigrants in the Dominion.
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that Commissioner Lamb, who, I understand, is a member of the Salvation Army, was at the board of guardians advising and giving evidence in regard to this particular matter, and whether he is aware that in consequence of paying £20 per head they were to give a child in return?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISI cannot say what, if any, payment is made in respect of children who are emigrated.
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can give any assurance that these children who are emigrated to Canada will be well cared for?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISYes, the inspection in Canada is extremely careful, and every means is taken to see that the children are properly treated.