§ Mr. BECKERasked the Home Secretary if he can give any figures showing the number of girls under the age of 16 years who have been sent abroad by charitable institutions between the years 1921–22; and if he will consider legislation making it compulsory for the permission of the Home Office to be obtained before an orphan child can be sent out of this country?
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§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN:The information asked for is not in the possession of the Home Office. My consent is required only in the case of children committed by a Court under Section 21 of the Children Act, 1908, to the care of a fit person which includes any society or body corporate established for the reception or protection of poor children or the prevention of cruelty to children. During 1921 and 1922 my predecessor consented to the emigration of 19 girls and one girl respectively by charitable institutions. The suggestion made by the hon. Member in the last part of the question will be considered in the event of any Amendment of the Children Act.