HC Deb 16 January 1913 vol 46 cc2242-3
42. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked whether some 37,000 boys leave London schools annually, the majority without any prospect of permanent employment; and whether he can see his way to enter into negotiations with the Dominion Governments with the object of seeing whether it is possible to arrive at some common plan by which a selection of these boys, willing to migrate and acceptable to the Dominion Governments, may be drafted to the Dominions to take up the work of agriculture there awaiting them?

Mr. GULLAND

The subject of emigration is engaging the attention of the Royal Commission which is now sitting, and pending their final Report the Secretary of State does not propose to enter into negotiations with Dominion Governments.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

As the Secretary for the Colonies is not in his place, perhaps I may be allowed to put this question down again at a future date in order to get a proper answer.

50. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the first interim Report on the Royal Commission on the Natural Resources, Trade, and Legislation of certain portions of His Majesty's Dominions, that the increase of population in the self-governing Dominions, by means of migration from the United Kingdom, appears to have an essential relation to the development of their natural resources; whether His Majesty's Government endorse this view; and, if so, what steps, if any, it is proposed to take to carry into effect this essential of Imperial policy?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I have seen the statement in question, which is of a general character. The Commission, when they report, will no doubt submit any definite recommendations which they may think desirable.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Am I to understand from the Prime Minister's reply that when these recommendations are submitted he will formulate some legislation on the matter so as to assist people to migrate from this country to the Colonies?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir. The hon. Member is not to assume anything of the kind. When the recommendations appear they will be carefully and respectfully considered.