§ 32. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if any expenses were paid to any of the speakers at a meeting held under the Ministry of Labour emigration scheme in Hamilton about the 22nd November; if so, the nature of them; and if the person speaking as a Canadian harvester is now in the employment of his Department?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo fee was paid to any of the speakers. Two of the speakers who had had experience as Canadian harvesters received travelling expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses up to a limit of I5s.; neither is in the employment of any Government Department.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWere either of the speakers allowed any wages for lost time or were they unemployed?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThat I could not say without further inquiry.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman say how these two particular men were selected? Had they some special experience?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDBefore the harvesters went to Canada arrangements were made for 10 miners to be given an opportunity of going to Canada to see the conditions. Recommendations of suitable men were obtained from some of the hon. Members opposite, from trade union leaders, and other sources, and then the expenses of the 10 men chosen were defrayed from a voluntary fund. Which of the 10 men these two were I do not know; they were two out of the number. It may be that I could find out.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this meeting and the statements made by these men have caused a good deal of indignation locally—the misstatements made as to the treatment of Canadian harvesters—and will he take steps to see that nothing but the truth is told at these meetings?