HC Deb 16 February 1914 vol 58 cc571-2
35. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent the landing in the United Kingdom as undesirable immigrants of all or any of the Labour leaders who have been deported from the Union of South Africa in the steamship "Umgeni"?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; there are no steps which I have any power to take for the purpose.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Is it not a fact that one or more of these deported alien labour leaders is an alien, and, as such, comes under the powers which the right hon. Gentleman possesses?

Mr. McKENNA

I thought that one was an alien, but my right hon. Friend (the Colonial Secretary) now tells me that the presumed alien has stated that he is a naturalised British subject.

Mr. G. TERRELL

How did he inform him?

41. Mr. BARNES

asked the Home Secretary if he can make any statement to the House as to the date of the landing in this country of the men deported from South Africa, the port of debarkation, and the legal position of Dr. Poutsma, being a Hollander, and Robert Burns Waterson, an Australian?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not aware of any restrictions applicable to the landing in the United Kingdom of any of the men in question; and I have no information in regard to the date or port of their arrival.