§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the captain of the Russian steamer "Mikhail," which arrived at Millwall Docks on the 22nd instant from Libau, in refusing to allow two Lettish political refugees from Mitau, named Johann Prande and Emilie Presscatt, to land; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have made inquiry and find that two aliens were brought to this country in the ship named in the question. They were not ordinary passengers, but came as stowaways without the knowledge or consent of the master of the ship, and without the necessary authorisation. I am not aware that the master was under any obligation to land these aliens in this country; and I understand that his action in the matter was governed by his liabilities under Russian law. I may add that the landing was not prohibited under the Aliens Act, and that I have not jurisdiction in the matter.