§ 71. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware of the good work the British Dominions Emigration Society are doing; whether his Department is affording this society facilities under the Empire Settlement Act; and if he will consider in what way he can further assist the work of this society?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI am aware of the valuable work performed by the British Dominions Emigration Society. The Oversea Settlement Committee desire to encourage voluntary efforts in con- 40 nection with Empire directed migration and are prepared to consider proposals for co-operation with voluntary societies under the terms of the Empire Settlement Act. It is hoped shortly to conclude an agreement with the society for assisting about 75 families to proceed to Canada during the next three months.
§ Mr. MUIRWill the Oversea Settlement Committee exercise any control over the expenditure incurred by any of these bodies?
§ 74. Mr. MUIRasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what arrangements have been entered into with any of the Dominion, Colonial, or other Governments in regard to loans for oversea settlement; what is the amount of such loans, for what period, and upon what terms have they been arranged; whether, in addition to such loans, the Imperial Government is committed to other expenditure in regard to both emigration and settlement, and, if so, to what amount; what proportion of such amount it is anticipated will be recovered and within what period; and whether, before any further arrangements as to loans are made, the House will have an opportunity of discussing the matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI would refer the hon. Member to the Estimates (Class V.3) for the current year, in which many of the details for which he inquires are set out. The schemes under the Empire Settlement Act vary considerably in accordance with the circumstances of each case, but as a general rule all passage schemes for adults provide for loans, without interest, which are recovered in reasonable instalments, and in addition free grants are made in certain cases in respect of the more distant destinations. Loans are also advanced under settlement schemes for the purchase of farms, and in such cases the repayments are spread over approximately 36 years. The arrangements that have been made by the Oversea Settlement Committee have been in accordance with the provisions of the Empire Settlement Act, and, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, discussion could take place on the Department's Estimate.
§ Mr. MUIRHas there been any financial assistance given to the Canadian Government in the matter of settlement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYNo assistance beyond what is provided in the Act—in certain cases a proportion of the expenses of emigration.
§ Mr. MUIRHas there been any direct payment made to the Canadian Government for assisting settlers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYNo, I do not think so.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn a point of Order. I have asked my three questions. May I ask a supplementary?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo.
§ Mr. MUIRIn considering any financial assistance to the Canadian Government in connection with emigration schemes, will the Minister keep in mind that the Canadian Government are considering the subsidising of a private emigration company in Canada to the extent of 10,000 dollars a month—not a society but a private exploitation company?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put that point down.