§ Mr. STUART SAMUELasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that seven aliens of different sexes and religion, rejected by the port officers of London, were, pending appeal, cooped up together in a small under-deck cabin on board the "Nerissa," and not allowed to leave this cabin for any purpose, sanitary or otherwise; whether he will inquire into this case; and if he will take steps to prevent a repetition of such conduct by the establishment of a proper receiving house for the accommodation of rejected aliens whilst under appeal?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware that an article which appeared in "The Jewish Chronicle" of the 22nd instant contained, among other things, statements to the effect of the first paragraph of the question. As soon as the article was brought to my notice, I caused the matter to be investigated, and I found that the facts of the case did not support the statements. For instance, separate accommodation for males and females was provided for the seven aliens in question, in two cabins, each of which was certified to hold sixteen 2675W persons, and the aliens were allowed from time to time to be outside these cabins both on the deck of the ship, and, when necessary, ashore. As my hon. Friend is aware, I am anxious that a receiving house for alien immigrants should be established in the Port of London; and the Committee which I have appointed to advise me in the matter is now at work.