HC Deb 19 November 1928 vol 222 cc1373-5

The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. HAYES:

37. To ask the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the case of two Liverpool youths and two Belfast youths who, having endured great hardships in their tramp from Toronto to Quebec, endeavoured to secure a passage on the ss. "Melita" as stowaways to return home, and for which act were sentenced by a Quebec court to one month's imprisonment; whether he is aware that the sentence was imposed as a lesson to others; that the judge said there was no work there except for farmers and that the sending to Canada of such untrained youths required, investigation; and whether he will take steps to secure the early release and passage home of these youths?

Mr. SPEAKER

I am not quite clear that the Secretary of State has any powers as regards a sentence passed by a Quebec Court.

Mr. AMERY

The only information which I have regarding the cases referred to in the hon. Member's question is that which has appeared in the Press. The Dominion authorities in this country have records of all persons who have proceeded to Canada during the past season, and this record does not include the names of any of these four men. I have asked the Dominion authorities if they can supply me with information in regard to these cases showing how and when the men entered Canada.

Mr. HAYES

While appreciating the position of the Quebec Court, may I ask whether the Secretary of State will pay special attention to securing a passage home for these boys in the same way as the returning harvesters?

Mr. AMERY

I must find out the facts of the case.

39. Sir J. POWER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many men were sent to Canada for temporary work as harvesters; how many still remain in Canada; and how many more are likely to return?

Mr. AMERY

The total number of men who went to Canada for temporary work as harvesters was 8,449. It is estimated that 2,720 men are still in Canada, hut it is not possible to state how many of these will ultimately return to this country. Over 300 letters have already been received by the Dominion authorities in London from harvesters who have recently come back from Canada expressing a desire to return to the Dominion next spring.

Colonel WOODCOCK

How many of these 2,000 have permanently settled there?

Mr. AMERY

I think most of them have now settled work for the winter.

Mr. LOOKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department taking any steps to keep in touch with the men who are remaining out there?

Mr. AMERY

We are doing what we can, but we have not a large administrative machinery within the sphere of the Government of Canada.

Mr. HAYES

May I take it that the returning harvesters will not be treated as deportees?

Mr. AMERY

Yes; They went to work in the harvest and are coming back.

Mr. HAYES

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that the term "deportees" has been used on the other side?

Mr. AMERY

There may have been some deportees, but the great mass of the men are paying their own fares back, in some cases the reduced fare.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that these 2,720 are remaining in Canada, or have some of them gone over the border into the United States?

Mr. AMERY

I have no evidence on the last point. It is possible that some of them are still finishing up temporary jobs and may come back, but I understand a large proportion of them have accepted satisfactory work for the winter.