§ 66. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances, and subject to what conditions, have some 170 Russian aliens been granted permission to reside in England?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)I assume this question refers to the remnant of a party of transmigrants who arrived in this country in 1923 on their way to the United States. These people, being unable to obtain admission to the United States at the time, were detained in the transmigrants' hostel at Eastleigh to await opportunities of continuing their journey. The bulk of them have now done so, but it is unlikely that the remaining 176 will be able to proceed for some two or three years. In these circumstances, and having regard to the fact that 130 of the number are women 1543 and children, my right hon. Friend agreed on humanitarian grounds that these unfortunate people, who had already been detained for three years in the hostel, might be at liberty in this country until they can proceed, as they all desire to do, to their destinations in the United States. Certain conditions were laid down for the purpose of preventing them settling here permanently and for protecting the interests of British workers—one condition being that the responsible committee which is supervising the arrangements should guarantee that if it is necessary for any of these people to take employment, such employment should not displace or compete with British labour.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWould the Minister ask the hon. Member who put this question to attend Prayers every day and listen to the latter part of them?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWould it not be possible to employ these people's time in the meanwhile in teaching the Russian language to right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, so that they might get their knowledge first hand?