HC Deb 23 July 1923 vol 167 cc51-2W
Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that 1,000 immigrants are at present detained in Ellis Island and in view of the great discomfort to passengers and the expense to which the shipping lines are being put, he will consider approaching the United States Government with the suggestion that it would be of the greatest advantage to all concerned if everyone to whom the American Consular Agents granted visas should be guaranteed admission to the United States and that the Consular Agents should be responsible that the monthly quotas were not exceeded?

Mr. McNEILL

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Washington has already been instructed to ask the United States Government whether it is to be inferred, from a statement recently issued to the Press by the United States Consul-General in London, that the system suggested in the question will henceforth be adopted.

Viscount CURZON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of British subjects now detained at Ellis Island for trying to land in the United States; and whether the number shows an increase over previous figures?

Mr. McNEILL

I must refer my noble and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Richmond on the 9th inst.

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