§ 73. Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, prior to the outbreak of War, the chief immigration officers, immigration officers, and assistant immigration officers appointed for the discharge of duties under the Aliens Act were recruited from the Waterguard staff; that latterly the staff of immigration officers has been increased by the addition of persons not otherwise connected with any Government Department; whether the number of aliens arriving in and leaving the country justifies the present additional staff; and whether, when the present con- 36 ditions cease to exist, the former practice will be reverted to and members of the Waterguard staff recruited for these particular duties?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am aware of the facts stated in the first two parts of the question. As regards the third part, the Treasury have sanctioned the employment of additional staff by the Home Office for work under the Aliens (Restriction) Order-in-Council; but they are not otherwise concerned in the administration of the Order. The answer to the fourth part depends on the future policy of the Government in relation to aliens. The question is primarily one for the Home Office, and I certainly cannot commit myself to any prophecy.