§ 4. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been directed to the treatment of British emigrants at Ellis Island; and whether he proposes to take action in the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLThis question has received the closest and most continuous consideration from His Majesty's Government for some time past. In the course of the present year alone representations have twice been made on the subject to the United States Government, and two visits of inspection have been carried out, at the invitation of that Government, by members of His Majesty's Embassy at Washington. The last of these was on 1729 28th October. The conditions and treatment at Ellis Island are primarily adapted to emigrants of a low standard of cleanliness and conduct, who form the bulk of the arrivals. For persons of any refinement, especially women, subjected to the same treatment it constitutes a Serious hardship, but it appears that the United States Government are unable to keep emigrants of the various nationalities separated while undergoing detention. British subjects proposing to emigrate to the United States would do well to bear these facts in mind.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHaving regard to the fact that the treatment meted out to British emigrants is still unsatisfactory, will the hon. Gentleman pursue his representations to the United States Government on the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLThose negotiations have been, as I have said, continually proceeding, and are still proceeding.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not far better for British emigrants to go to some section of the British Empire?