§ 33. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the conclusion arrived at by the Committee appointed to consider the effect on migration of schemes of social insurance that one of the two chief causes which tend to discourage migration are the restrictions which the Dominion authorities find it necessary to place on 1638 the grant of assisted passages; and what steps he proposes to take with a view of getting such modifications made in these restrictions as will encourage, rather than discourage, migration within the Empire?
§ Mr. AMERYYes, Sir. But the restrictions which the Dominion Governments at present find it necessary to place upon the grant of assisted passages arise out of conditions overseas. Copies of the Report of the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers have been forwarded to the Dominion Governments, who will, no doubt consider whether it is possible to modify the restrictions in question. These matters will be discussed at the forthcoming Imperial Conference.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has always been the case that restrictions have been placed on the grant of assisted passages, and that this has always limited migration from this country; and can he say to what particular restrictions this particular Report refers?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEI mean always— before the War and after the War.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThere were assisted passages before the War— given by the Dominions.
§ Mr. AMERYAs they gave the assistance they prescribed the terms. In the case of assistance given now the Dominions must be the best judges of whether people can succeed, and it is only under conditions approved overseas that they relax these restrictions.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEMay I ask whether there has not been an increase in the number of intending migrants to Canada under the new £3 passage scheme?
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the fact that the Dominion Governments do not want any but physically and mentally fit people — with some money in addition?
§ Mr. HARDIEThen may I ask whether this £3 arrangement is likely to be any benefit at all to those who want to go to Canada, and have not much money?
§ 37. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any arrangements exist in the Colonial Office for advising intending settlers in the Union of South Africa with regard to the acquisition of land for fruit or other farming?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Oversea Settlement Department of the Dominions Office is in a position to advise persons intending to take up land in South Africa. The High Commissioner for the Union of South Africa also furnishes information regarding each branch of farming in South Africa, the question of taking up land, and the facilities available for agricultural training through Government institutions.