HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1823-4
69. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary for Scotland the numbers of emigrants who have left Scotland during the past 12 months?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

The number of British subjects recorded as having left permanent residence in Scotland to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during the 12 months ended 31st January, 1925 (the latest period of 12 months for which statistics are avail- able), was 40,174. Residence for a year or more is treated as permanent residence for the purpose of this classification.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us how many of these families have left under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922?

Mr. SAMUEL

I shall be glad to give the hon. Member information if he will put down a separate question, as I have not the figures in my mind.

Mr. HARDIE

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the number he has given us of those who have left Scotland has anything to do with the decrease in the cultivation of land, figures for which have just been given?

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask if these figures include emigrants to the Colonies, and, if not, can he give us any approximate figures as to the emigrants to the Colonies?

Mr. SAMUEL

I think they do come within the reply I gave, but if the hon. Member will put down a question, I shall be very glad to give him an answer.

Mr. HARDIE

May I have an answer to my question, whether those figures have any relation to the land?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.