HC Deb 28 March 1892 vol 3 cc32-3
MR. A. SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has had any further communication from the Government of British Columbia relative to the proposed scheme of emigration to that country from the Highlands of Scotland; whether the Government of British Columbia has accepted the offer of £150,000 for that purpose made by Her Majesty's Government; whether he will lay the Correspondence referr ject upon the Table of the House; and whether Her Majesty's Government will advance a like or any sum for the purpose of settling the people of the Highlands in the unpeopled parts of their native land?

MR. GOSCHEN

I have not received any further communication from the Government of British Columbia with reference to the proposed emigration scheme from the Highlands of Scotland. The offer of a loan of £150,000 made by Her Majesty's Government has not yet been accepted by the Government of British Columbia, but the hon. Member has probably seen telegrams in the public Press stating that the Legislature of that colony has the matter under consideration. It will be desirable to wait for the conclusion of the negotiations before laying the Correspondence on the Table of the House. With regard to the last paragraph of the hon. Member's question, I am not aware that any practical proposal has been made in the direction which he indicates.