HC Deb 28 March 1923 vol 162 cc479-80
20. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many men employed in His Majesty's Dockyards, Royal Naval and Army Ordnance, and the Royal Navy victualling yards would be pleased to avail themselves of the opportunity given them to settle in Australia and thus provide vacancies for others now unemployed, provided they could receive their gratuities, so as to enable them to make provision for their wives and children while they themselves are journeying outwards and making the home ready for the reception of their families in a. new country; and can he see his way to consider the suggestions made?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

We have no such information as that referred to in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his question on 22nd March.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

If I bring the information to the hon. and gallant Member's notice, will he give it consideration?

Commander EYRES - MONSELL

Certainly; I shall be very glad to do so.

33. Lieut.-Colonel Sir NORTONGRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider in what way be can further assist boards of guardians where assistance is desired, financial or otherwise, in any effort to help families who are wishful of settling overseas within the British Empire, and who may approach a board of guardians with this end in view?

Mr. BETTERTON

I understand that boards of guardians already have extensive powers of assisting the migration of persons chargeable to them. My right hon. Friend has no means out of the funds at his disposal of giving additional assistance to boards of guardians, but suitable families desirous of settling overseas would be eligible for assistance under the provisions of the Empire Settlement Act.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Will my hon. Friend endeavour, after consultation with the Minister, to co-ordinate the work of the Overseas Settlement Com mittee with that of the boards of guardians; and, further, will he see if financial assistance under the Empire Settlement Act cannot be extended to them to assist families to migrate?.