HC Deb 07 December 1928 vol 223 cc1565-6
Lieut.-Colonel McDONNELL

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he was now able to state what arrangements had been made to secure a reduction of the passage rates from this country to Canada with a view to facilitating the settlement of British emigrants in that country?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Amery)

I am glad to say that the Government has reached an agreement with the British steamship lines for the quotation of a special rate for British subjects normally resident in Great Britain and Northern Ireland proceeding from this country to Canada for the purpose of residing permanently in that Dominion. Under normal conditions the ocean rate for third class passengers from Great Britain to Canada is£18 15s., but under the agreement just concluded between the Government and the British steamship lines such passengers who are British subjects normally resident in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be enabled to proceed to Canada at the rate of£10, the difference between the normal rate and the special rate being absorbed by the Government and the steamship lines on an agreed basis. The arrangement will come into operation on the 1st January next, and in order to give it a fair trial it is necessary to wake it for a period of two years. On this point also the Government and the steamship lines have been able to reach an understanding.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Who bears the cost of the difference between the£10 and the£18?

Mr. AMERY

It is borne jointly by the steamship companies and the Government.

Lieut.-Colonel McDONNELL

Does that affect the£2 passage rate for families going on to the land?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. The£2 passage rate for agricultural families going on to the land remains unaffected.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Would there be a reduction for a party going out, not necessarily a family, but a number of men, and perhaps their dependants going together?

Mr. AMERY

Yes; this reduced fare applies to any British migrant whether going singly or in a family or in a party.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will there be no further reduction for a party?

Mr. AMERY

No. I am not sure whether there is not some proportionate reduction for children, but there are no special terms for parties.

Commander WILLIAMS

Will the Canadian Government bear any portion of the cost, or will our share be borne entirely by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. AMERY

This is entirely an arrangement between the British Government and the steamship companies.