§ 17. Mr. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there are any restrictions in any of the Dominions about the acceptance from this country of persons who are receiving unemployment relief in some form or other; whether any of the Dominions are willing to accept intending settlers who have their passage partly paid for by Poor Law guardians; and, if so, which Dominions are prepared to accept men now out of work without any restrictions except that of physical fitness?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have been asked to reply to this question. Persons who are receiving unemployment relief or are granted passage assistance at the cost of the poor rates will be accepted by the Dominion authorities, provided that they are medically fit, both physically and mentally, are of good character and have assured employment awaiting them on arrival overseas. The hon. Member will no doubt realise that the selection of migrants must be entirely under the control of the Dominion Government concerned and that the probability of their success overseas is the one factor which weighs with those Governments.
§ Mr. HARRISDo I understand that the migrant is not prejudiced by the fact that he has received Poor Law relief or is receiving assistance through the machinery of unemployment insurance?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREQuite; provided that his medical and mental record is sound, he is treated like any one else.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes not that mean that the guardians can spend money in sending a man overseas instead of paying him relief?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe hon. Gentleman must address a question of that kind to the Minister of Health. I am not competent to answer as to the exact powers.