§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to take any action to make emigration agents liable for any loss which some emigrants suffer where the emigrant has been induced to go abroad on the representation of such agents; and whether it is his intention to have all emigration agents registered?
§ Mr. AMERYAll persons engaged in emigration business are either licensed passage brokers or hold appointments from licensed passage brokers, their appointments being countersigned by a Board of Trade officer. The Merchant Shipping Acts provide that anyone who fraudulently induces or attempts to induce any person to emigrate or to engage a steerage passage in any ship is liable to fine or imprisonment. It is not considered that any additional powers are required at present.