HC Deb 18 July 1927 vol 209 cc10-2
22. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the importance of migration to all parts of the British Empire, he will consider the reorganisation of the Overseas Settlement Committee for the purpose of enabling the particular problems of South Africa, Australasia, and Canada to receive that special attention that special circumstances demand?

Mr. AMERY

I invite my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to my answer to his question on the 14th instant. I have no reason for supposing that the particular problems of the several Dominions have not received and do not receive such special attention as they require from the Overseas Settlement Committee as at present constituted.

Major GLYN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer which I received on the 14th inst. was that the constitution of the Committee is at present receiving consideration? The point of my question was whether one Committee, no matter how competent is capable of understanding the whole of these problems.

Mr. AMERY

The Committee endeavours to work in liaison and close communication with the migration authorities of the several Governments. It does not profess in itself to have the fullest knowledge of the details in each colony and each Dominion. I believe it is more satisfactory for one Committee, through one executive head, to deal with the different Dominion organisations in this country.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the migration Committees in the Dominions are under the control of the High Commissioners, or does the Overseas Committee deal directly with the Dominion Governments?

Mr. AMERY

Normally the migration activities of each Dominion in this country are under the authority of the High Commissioner, and the Overseas Settlement Office deals with the High Commissioner's Office through the Migration Branch. Of course, we also deal directly with the Governments, and at the present moment the Canadian Minister of Migration and the Deputy-Minister of Migration are both in this country and have been in close communi- cation and consultation with Lord Lovat and the members of the Overseas Settlement Committee.

Major GLYN

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that he is quite satisfied that the present Committee is serving its purpose very well?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir.

Colonel DAY

Have any complaints been received with regard to these matters?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir.