§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what has been the estimated annual cost of Irish emigration statistics since 1890; how the number of Irish emigrants starting from British ports is ascertained; what steps are taken to secure the accuracy of the information supplied by the enumerators, except the names of the emigrants which are copied from the counterfoils of their tickets; and whether it is intended either to reform or discontinue this particular service?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Registrar-General informs me that the annual estimated expenditure for the enumeration of Irish emigrants from Irish ports is £120. The information is obtained, so far as possible, by the enumerator at the port of departure from the emigrant by direct inquiry, and is consequently regarded as being accurate. The answer to the last paragraph of the question is in the negative.