HC Deb 09 July 1928 vol 219 c1854
45. Sir EVELYN CECIL

asked the Prime Minister if he can yet state whether His Majesty's Government will grant facilities for the further progress of the Empire Settlement Bill of the hon. Member for Berkshire, Windsor Division (Mr. Somerville), and the Money Resolution relating thereto; and, in the same connection, whether any, or what, decisions have been arrived at on the Report of the Industrial Transference Board?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Report of the Industrial Transference Board is now under active consideration by His Majesty's Government. Pending a decision on the issues raised by the Report in connection with migration, my right hon. Friend is not in a position to say whether it will be necessary or possible to grant facilities for the further progress of the Empire Settlement Bill.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Quite apart from the Report of the Industrial Transference Board, is it not necessary for the Government to provide for the Secretary of State for the Dominions extended powers to deal with the migration question, and do the Government contemplate the provision of such powers?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot add anything to the answer which I have already given.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Report is likely to be published?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot add anything to the answer which the Prime Minister gave last week.