§ 53. Mr. SIMMasked the Prime Minister whether, at the forthcoming conference of Empire statesmen in London, consideration will be given to the urgent need of transferring unremunerative and surplus labour in this country to other 1532 parts of the Empire requiring development; and if any comprehensive plan for dealing with the matter will include free transport for emigrants and their families?
§ 55. Captain GEEasked the Prime Minister whether, at the approaching Conference of Empire statesmen in London, means will be considered for co-operative action between the British and Dominion Governments, with a view to employment overseas of mining and other workers, by offering them the same facilities for emigration as are now offered to ex-service men?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)I have been asked to reply to these questions. It is proposed that the Meeting of Prime Ministers in June should discuss the question of the adoption of a comprehensive policy of Empire land settlement and Empire directed migration, on the basis of cooperation between His Majesty's Government and the Governments of the Oversea Dominions. Any such policy would no doubt include provision for assisted passages for approved classes of settlers. I invite reference to the answer which I gave on this subject on the 22nd of March.
§ Mr. MILLSWill the hon. Gentleman take the trouble to ask the Dominions the exact proportion of unemployed in every colony?
§ Mr. AMERYWe are kept informed of that, and special steps are taken that no men are encouraged to go to any Dominion where there is unemployment.