§ 37. Mr. ROBERT MORRISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that over 100 British emigrants landed in Freemantle, Western Australia, on 3rd May last; whether he has any information as to how many have obtained employment; and what is happening to those who have not?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYFull information has been received by telegram from the Premier of Western Australia, but as it is very long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ Information has been received by telegram from the Premier of Western Australia to the following effect, namely, 132 settlers arrived on the steamship "Euripides" on the 2nd May. Of these, 36 were placed forthwith, 37 within three days, and the remainder within ten days, except four men for the group settlement 1866 scheme, who were placed in 14 days. 97 settlers arrived by the "Ormuz" on the 3rd May. Of these, 24 were placed within three days and the balance within 10 days, except five men for the group settlement scheme, who were placed within 14 days. A number of families and men who arrived recently are now in the State Migrants' Home. The delay in placing them is due to the temporary interruption of country work by exceptional rain. Otherwise, there is no difficulty in placing settlers within a few days of their arrival. Settlers are maintained at Government expense for three days and also after 10 days if still not placed.
§ 38. Sir CHARLES CAYZERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps are being taken to test and prepare would-be emigrants for oversea settlements; whether any concerted effort is being made to give unemployed men in the towns elementary training in work on the land so that they may be fitted for that work overseas; and whether this branch of his Imperial migration publicity campaign is being expedited before the winter sets in, when such work will be less possible and less useful?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYAs I have previously stated in the House, the question of the provision of training, with a view to settlement overseas, is still under consideration. Co-operation with the Dominion Authorities is essential in this as in all other matters affecting settlement, and the question will be fully considered at the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference. No special publicity campaign is in contemplation at present.