15. Mr. R. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the policy of the present Government to encourage emigration of British people to Rhodesia and Kenya?
§ Mr. AMERYAs regards Kenya and Northern Rhodesia, the question of emigration in the ordinary sense does not arise. It is certainly no part of the policy of the Government to discourage the settlement of suitable British people, but it is primarily for the local Government to consider how far and under what conditions they should be encouraged. In the case of Southern Rhodesia, a land settlement scheme under the Empire Settlement Act has been entered into with the Southern Rhodesia Government.
Mr. SMITHDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the introduction of compulsory military service will encourage British people to go out there?
§ Mr. AMERYI have no evidence that any large proportion of those who emigrate to the Empire in any case are conscientious objectors.
§ Colonel DAYAre not group settlements being encouraged in Rhodesia?
§ 18. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of group settlements now in operation in Australia?
§ Mr. AMERYThe only group settlement scheme at present in operation is the Western Australia scheme which was described in a Report (Cmd. 2673) published last month. The number of groups formed under this scheme up to the present is 135.