§ 68. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has been approached by any of the Dominions or the Colonies with reference to the 1334 settlement of retiring Army officers in the Colonies; and whether, in view of the approaching disbandment of Army units and the consequent demand for employment of the personnel, he will consider whether schemes for emigration to and settlement in the Colonies might with advantage be drawn up in conjunction with the Colonial Governments?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Oversea Settlement Committee have discussed with representatives of Oversea Governments the possibilities of settlement in the Empire for retiring Army officers, with particular reference to the approaching disbandment of various units. It will not be possible, however, for His Majesty's Government to co-operate in schemes of settlement unless and until the Bill announced in the Gracious Speech from the Throne is passed.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSWhen docs the hon. Gentleman anticipate that the Bill will be before the House?
§ Mr. AMERYI am afraid that I can at present add nothing to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 7th of this month.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSWill the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House do his utmost to expedite the introduction of the Bill?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf my hon. Friend will be good enough to put a question to me on the subject, I will be very glad to give an answer, but I am attending to other matters at the moment, and I am not quite certain to what Bill he is referring.