HC Deb 09 May 1927 vol 206 cc16-7
34. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of boys who have sailed for New Zealand under the scheme arranged by the New Zealand Sheep Owners Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund; whether these boys have been granted free passages to the Dominions and free outfits; and where they will proceed to on arrival in New Zealand?

Mr. AMERY

The number of boys who have sailed for New Zealand under the scheme referred to is 299. Free passages have been provided jointly by His Majesty's Governments in Great Britain and New Zealand, and free outfits by the Sheepowners Fund. The boys, on arrival in New Zealand, proceed first to Flock House, Bulls, Near Marton, New Zealand, where they receive preliminary training before being placed out with selected farmers.

Colonel DAY

What wages will these boys receive when they get out there?

Mr. AMERY

I cannot answer that without notice.

Colonel DAY

Will they be assisted later on to obtain land for themselves?

Mr. AMERY

I think they are able to take advantage of the very considerable facilities which are afforded by the the New Zealand Government for obtaining land.

Mr. KELLY

May I ask what supervision there is which is satisfactory to the people of this country that these boys are well treated?

Mr. AMERY

I think these boys are extraordinarily well looked after.

Mr. KELLY

Does the right hon. Gentleman receive reports from those responsible for the supervision of these boys?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir. There is first the supervision of the New Zealand Government, and also the supervision of the Committee of the Sheepowners Society.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to take the opportunity of his forthcoming tour to inspect the Block House, and, if he is satisfied with it, encourage the development of similar schemes in other parts of the Dominion and other parts of the Empire?

Mr. AMERY

I will certainly take advantage of my trip to do so.

Mr. KELLY

Have any reports been received; and if any are received in the future, will they be made public?

Mr. AMERY

I will consider that.

District. Date of First Outbreak. Total outbreaks.
1. Neasden, Middlesex … … 7th January … … 1
2. Rushton, Northants. … … 7th January … … 1
3. Chalk, Kent … … 8th January … … 2
4. Derby … … 15th January … … 6
5. Kelvedon, Essex … … 20th January … … 4
6. Ducklington, Oxon … … 22nd January … … 1
7. Tamworth, Staffs. and Warwicks. … … 10th February … … 6
8. Lancaster, Lancs. … … 5th April … … 2
Total … … 23