HC Deb 16 April 1918 vol 105 cc212-3
43. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Home Secretary if he proposes to take any steps to restrain the migration of aliens and naturalised foreigners from their homes in the East End and other parts of London to neighbourhoods where they think they will enjoy greater security from any possible personal danger; and if he will, under the Defence of the Realm Act, forbid them to move their families and themselves about the country during the War, to the disadvantage of native-born subjects?

Mr. BRACE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given on the 11th instant by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Hoard to the hon. and gallant Member for the Ludlow Division. The inquiries which have been made show that the reports which have appeared in the Press have been much exaggerated, and, as regards some, at all events, of the districts to which there has been migration, that the majority of the migrants are neither aliens nor naturalised persons. I have no power to take the action suggested in the last part of the question.

Sir A. FELL

If the Home Office has no power, could they not induce the War Office to exercise the powers they have to stop this migration?

Mr. BRACE

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a question down.

Mr. BILLING

Could the right hon. Gentleman not take the opportunity of running down to Brighton to see the Regulation office?

Mr. BRACE

No.