HC Deb 16 April 1923 vol 162 cc1661-5
40 and 41. Lieut. - Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) if he will arrange for the Oversea Settlement Committee to get into direct communication with boards of guardians with a view to interesting local authorities in Empire settlement;

(2) if he will state under which Act boards of guardians can contribute £10 towards the expenses of people, who are desirous of migrating; and whether the efforts of boards of guardians in the direction of migration can be co-ordinated with the work of the Oversea Settlement Committee?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

The Over-sea Settlement Committee, which is working in close co-operation with the Ministry of Health, is preparing a circular letter to boards of guardians in regard to schemes under the Empire Settlement Act, which will, it is hoped, be issued at an early date. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a note of the statutes to which he refers.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Have not the Poor Law guardians the necessary powers already under the Poor Law Acts?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

Yes. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a list of the statutes.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

And the Poor Law authorities already emigrate numbers of people?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

Yes.

43. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is now in a position to state what improvements he proposes to effect with a view to speeding up the machinery of the Oversea Settlement Committee for the migration of those families who wish to settle in the Dominions?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

Delays in connection with family migration are not, I think, attributable to any defects in the machinery of the Oversea Settlement Committee, but to two great difficulties, namely, the lack of accommodation for families in the country districts overseas, and the question of providing maintenance for families overseas whilst the breadwinners are obtaining the necessary training in land work. As I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend, these two questions are engaging my particular attention, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Have the Government any definite plan, or is a plan contemplated for laying before the Imperial Conference in October?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

We are considering it. I cannot say that we have a definite plan yet.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Is there any need to await the Imperial Conference?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

No, Sir.

59. Captain BERKELEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the existence of the European Settlers' League in Fiji; and whether, in view of the potentialities of this Colony, the Government is prepared to co-operate with that organisation in encouraging British settlement in that Colony?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am aware of, and sympathise with, the feeling in Fiji in favour of British settlement but I am not at present in a position to give any assurance as to the prospect of His Majesty's Government being able to co-

SAILINGS FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1923.
Destination Under free passage scheme (Two months estimated) Under Empire Settlement Act. Total.
Canada … … … 3,619 167 3,786
Australia … … … 9,691 11,740 21,431
New Zealand … … … 2,597 1,767 4,364
Totals … 15,907 13,674 29,581
65. Mr. JARRETT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is in a position to give the names of the gentlemen who are serving on the Oversea Settlement Committee; whether any of them have never visited the Overseas Dominions or Colonies; and, if so, whether he can give their names?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

In view of the length of the answer, I will, with the operate under the Empire Settlement Act in assisting persons in this country to settle in the Colony.

Captain BERKELEY

Will the Government be in a position in the near future to make a statement on the subject of encouraging settlement in Fiji?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The matter will have to be discussed very carefully with the Governor, in view of the financial position of Fiji, and I am afraid it will take a long time to communicate with him and to get his answer back.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Is it not the intention, as far as possible, that the various Crown Colonies are to participate in the Empire Settlement Act?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

If they are suitable.

62. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number of persons who have been sent by the Oversea Settlement Committee to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during the last 12 months?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

The total number of persons who have proceeded to the three Dominions in question during the 12 months ended the 31st March, 1923, under the free passage scheme for ex-service men and women and the Empire Settlement Act, respectively, is as follows:

hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The names of the members of the Overseas Settlement Committee are as follow:—

Of these, seven have never visited the Dominions or Colonies. Their names are:—

66. Major Sir GEORGE HAMILTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is in a position to indicate what arrangements, if any, have been made by his Department, in conjunction or otherwise with the Oversea Settlement Committee, to extend credit facilities for the purchase of materials necessary for the opening up and development of new areas suitable for settlers overseas?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Boyd-Carpenter)

I am at present unable to add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on the 10th April.

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