HC Deb 21 May 1928 vol 217 cc1499-500
19. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet replied to the Canadian Government's proposal for a pioneer settlement scheme to settle 20,000 British families; if so, what was the nature of his reply; and does he see his way to agree to the proposal that the Imperial Government should contribute £300 per family towards the cost of stock, buildings, and equipment?

Mr. AMERY

The hon. Member has no doubt been misled by a misprint or error in a Press telegram, as the scheme to which he refers contemplates the settlement of 2,000 not 20,000 families. My latest information in regard to the scheme from the Dominion authorities is that they are not likely to be in a position to make a definite statement for some time.

34. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the need for women in the Dominions, what facilities exist in this country for training female emigrants in agriculture and domestic science?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

A residential centre, giving training in household work, has been established at Market Harborough jointly by the Australian and British Governments, together with a number of bursaries available for domestic science courses at recognised local centres. The Scottish Council of Women's Trades has inaugurated a scheme for placing Glasgow girls on farms in Scotland to learn household work with a view to settlement overseas.

For women who can pay their own fees there are courses in agriculture and domestic science provided by various education authorities; a special oversea settlement course in agriculture and domestic science is provided at Hutton by the Lancashire County Council.