HC Deb 20 February 1924 vol 169 cc1712-3
1. Mr. BECKER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the number of deaths notified of British subjects whilst under detention on Ellis Island, United States of America, during the last 12 months; and what steps His Majesty's Government is taking to alleviate the distress of British subjects who from time to time are incarcerated there?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ponsonby)

The answer to the first part of the question is that- one such death has been reported. With regard to the second part, I would observe that Ellis Island is an American institution over which His Majesty's Government are not in a position to exercise any control, but I understand that the United States Government are considering legislation with a view to improvements in the establishment.

Mr. BECKER

Since the British Ambassador to the United States of America made his report, have the conditions of British subjects at Ellis Island been alleviated in any way?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it a fact that the United States Government is doing everything possible in this regard, and that there has been no congestion since last November because emigration has practically ceased?

Mr. PONSONBY

I think that that is so.