HC Deb 01 May 1888 vol 325 cc1031-4
MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he will be good enough to inform the House what are the terms and conditions under which the Government propose to advance £10,000 for the emigration of crofters, both as regards the advances, the security, and the repayment; whether there are any Papers on the subject which he can include in the Return, recently ordered on the subject of colonization; whether any, and what, Report has been obtained upon the suitability of the land on which it is proposed to settle them; where the land is; and what part of the work and expense of the matter will be performed by the Canadian Government?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)

said, he understood that the Lord Advocate would answer this Question.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)

The Government are prepared to advance up to £10,000 at once on further sums being raised by private subscription. The amount thus obtained will be administered by a Board representing the Imperial Government, the Canadian Government, the subscribers, and the principal Canadian Land Companies. The Board will advance £120 to crofters' families emigrating, repayable in 12 years in eight equal annual instalments of £20 17s. 8d., commencing in the fifth year, in full of principal and interest. The advance will be secured by a mortgage on the 160 acres to be granted to each family, and by a lien on their chattels. There are Papers which can be given, but it will not be convenient to give them in the Return already ordered. Suitable land will be selected by the Board. The Dominion Government will give free grants, and the settlers will have the advantage of the experience and co-operation of the Dominion Government land agents.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked, whether it was in contemplation to exempt emigrants going to other parts of our Colonies than Canada; and whether the crofters would be compelled to go against their will?

MR. J. H. A. MACDONALD

As regards the latter part of the Question, it is unnecessary to answer the hon. Member. As regards the first part, I will be obliged by him giving Notice of it.

MR. CONYBEARE

said, they had been so compelled before.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling, &c.)

asked, whether the powers described by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, and the transaction on the part of the Government, would be exercised under any existing statute, or whether legislation would be necessary?

MR. J. H. A. MACDONALD

I do not think that any legislation will be necessary at present; but an Estimate, of course, will have to be laid before the House.

MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)

asked, whether the benefits of the emigration scheme would be entirely confined to crofters?

MR. J. H. A MACDONALD

asked for Notice of the Question.

MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)

asked, to what part of Canada it was intended that the emigration should take place?

MR. J. H. A. MACDONALD

asked for Notice of this Question also.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

asked, in reference to the voting of money by this House, whether the Government could hold a lien over the chattels of the emigrants in Canada without further statutory powers?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

said, there would be legislation in Canada upon the subject.

MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)

asked, whether the Government expected that a sum of £120 would be sufficient to take the emigrants out, build a house, and—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. CONYBEARE

asked, whether this was conditional on private subscriptions being raised?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I must ask hon. Members to be so good as to wait until the statement is made which will accompany the Vote on which the Government will ask for the power to make those advances. It is impossible for us to give any further information at present.

Susequently,

MR. HUNTER

asked, Whether the details of the scheme of emigration for crofters would be laid before the House in good time for consideration before the Vote on the subject was taken?

MR. W. H. SMITH

, in reply, said, there would be no objection to lay a statement on the Table, so that the House would have a full opportunity of discussing the subject before the Vote was taken?