§ 77. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the countries which, owing to internal depression, send home unemployed British subjects to this country, paying their passages; and how many such unemployed British subjects have been repatriated to this country on these lines during the last six months?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)The United States Immigration Act of 1917 contains a provision for the repatriation at public expense of distressed aliens within three years of their entry into the United States if they so desire. My right hon. Friend is not aware of the existence of similar legislation in any other country. He has asked His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to furnish a report as to the number of persons who have been repatriated from the United States under the provision in question.
§ Mr. CAMPBELLHas the Foreign Office considered the proposition of reciprocity?
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Ambassador in the United States to furnish a report as to the probable number likely to come here and become a public charge?
§ Mr. DALTONThat would be guessing. We can only ask the Ambassador to furnish information as to facts.
§ Mr. CAMPBELLCan I have a reply to my question about reciprocity? It is a very important question.
§ Mr. DALTONI am not aware that that question has yet been considered.
§ Mr. CAMPBELLWill it be considered?