HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 cc448-9
38. Mr. DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of single women who were assisted to proceed overseas for household work during the 12 months ended to last convenient date; and can he give a general outline of the rate of pay received by such persons in the Dominions?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Lunn)

During the year ending 30th September, 1929, 6,874 single women were assisted to proceed to the Dominions as household workers. Of these, 4,748 went to Canada, 1,930 to Australia, 184 to New Zealand, and 12 to Southern Rhodesia. The monthly rates of pay of household workers in the Dominions vary. I understand that the following may be regarded as the normal rates, in addition to board and lodging:

Canada $15 to $45
Australia … £4 to £8
New Zealand … £4 to £7
Southern Rhodesia … £3 to £7

Mr. DAY

Can my hon. Friend say whether there is any fund which would permit of assisted passages for these female workers to return to this country if they found employment more congenial to them?

Mr. LUNN

There is nothing, so far as I know, up to the present.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these ladies get married out there?

Mr. LUNN

I hope all of them.