HC Deb 26 March 1928 vol 215 cc794-5
13. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the extent and character of the arrangement for the migration to Manitoba of lads of British stock; and what other similar arrangements for migration to Canada will be in operation this year?

Mr. AMERY

A scheme has been arranged under the Empire Settlement Act with His Majesty's Government in Canada, in conjunction with the Government of the Province of Manitoba, for the establishment in that Province of a farm as headquarters for the reception, training, settlement and after-care of two hundred and fifty British boys annually. The contribution of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain takes the form of a payment of 20 dollars for each boy received at the farm, the Dominion Government and the Provincial Government contributing each 10 dollars. This scheme follows the lines of the scheme which has been in operation in the Province of Ontario since 1926, and which deals with five hundred boys annually. Similar schemes are under negotiation with the Governments of the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Will my right hon. Friend induce his Department to give as much publicity as possible to all matters relating to migration? I know that he does what he can, but I think that there should be still more done.

14. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what progress is being made with the Big Brother movement as applied to the migration of British youths to Canada, Australia, and other Dominions?

Mr. AMERY

The Big Brother movement, which is favourably regarded by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain and also, I understand, by His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia, was started in the State of Victoria, and has been extended to New South Wales and South Australia. No similar movement has been started in the other Dominions.

Mr. HURD

Does my right hon. Friend know whether any effort is being made to bring the Big Brother movement to the attention of the people of Canada?

Mr. AMERY

I think efforts have been made, but naturally efforts of that kind have to be spontaneously organised on the other side.

Mr. HURD

Was my right hon. Friend able during his visit to Canada to bring it to the notice of Canadian clubs, for instance?

Mr. AMERY

I brought it to the notice of a good many people.

Sir WILFRID SUGDEN

Will my right hon. Friend be prepared financially to support such a movement?

Mr. AMERY

We are willing to cooperate with any useful work that will help.